PSY 328 - Psychology and Law

This course is a critical examination of the relationships between psychology, its practice, theory and research, and the law. Psychology has been applied in legal contexts for over a century, but only in recent decades has it gained widespread familiarity and been defined as a specialty area within psychology. This seminar will survey the major topics represented in the field of psychology and law, including eyewitness identification, jury decision-making, criminal behavior, criminal and civil forensic assessment, and how psychological research impacts law and public policy. Students will be expected to understand the case law governing and influencing criminal and civil practice, the ethical principles that guide evaluation, report writing, consultation and expert testimony and the social psychological influences on the legal system.

Prerequisites
PSY 202 or Permission of Instructor

Credits 4

Compass Attributes
Social Science