Required Texts:

Wrightsman, L. W. & Fulero, S. M. (2005). Forensic Psychology (2^nd edition). Wadsworth.

APA ethics code – can be retrieved at http://www.apa.org/ethics/

Forensic Specialty Guidelines – can be retrieved at http://www.unl.edu/ap-ls/foren.pdf

Additional readings may be posted online and will be considered required reading. 

Course Description:

This course will introduce the different roles and obligations of practitioners in forensic psychology. Ethical and legal standards will be analyzed in such areas as dual relationships, informed consent, confidentiality, record keeping, malpractice and professional liability. The standards of competent practice in specific areas such as custody evaluations, assessment of victims and acting as an expert witness will be considered in more detail.

Course Objectives:

1.      Students will become familiar with the different ethical obligations required as psychologists engage in various roles within the legal and criminal justice systems.

2.   Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the APA ethical code and ethical guidelines and standards of practice for forensic psychologists.

3.      Students will come to understand practice obligations such as record keeping and confidentiality. They will learn the extent of privilege protections and their obligations under the duty to warn.

4.      Students will demonstrate their ability to use critical thinking while evaluation ethical dilemmas.  

Course Evaluation:

Your grade in this course will be based on the following requirements:

1.      A mid-term exam (30%) This exam will be based on the readings and discussions pertaining to the first 4 topics outlined below. The exam will be multiple choice.  The exam will be on Saturday, January 30th.

2.      A final exam worth (30%) This exam will be based on the readings and discussions pertaining to the last 3 topics outlined below. It will not be cumulative so will not cover material examined in the midterm. The exam will be multiple choice. The exam will be on Saturday, February 26th.

3.      Course Participation (15%) Students will have to complete online quizzes or exercises related to assigned readings.  In addition, students will have to participate in online focused discussions related to assigned readings.  Readings must be completed for thoughtful participation in the online discussions. Each week, either a quiz, exercise or discussion question will be assigned. Each week, students will receive either a pass or a fail for their participation. Failing to satisfactorily participate each week will lead in a loss of 2 points from a maximum of 15 points.

4.      Paper (25%). Students will have to submit a paper not less than 3,000 words long. The paper topic will be assigned in the 3^rd week of classes.