PSL3072

Psychological Foundations of Law (6 points)

(MED)

Leader: Dr Shantha Rajaratnam

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit focuses on ways in which the fields of psychology and law interact, in particular the application of scientifc and professional aspects of psychology to issues concerning the law and legal systems. Topics to be covered include theories of criminal behaviour, assessmesnt of fitness for trial, criminal responsibilty, treatment of mentally ill offenders and forensic patients, violence and risk assessment, confidentiality, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making, psychological assessment of injured persons, involuntary commitment and expert witness testimony. Students will also undertake in-depth research of a specific subject matter relevant to the field of psychology and law.

Assessment: 3,000 word individual report based on group research 30%, Research presentation 10%, Examination 60%

Contact Hours: Two 1 hour lectures and one 2 hour tutorial each week

Prerequisites: LAW1100: Legal process PSY2051: Research Design and Analysis

Corequisites: LAW3300: Criminal Law and Procedure PSY2042: Cognitive and Scoial Psychology

Prohibitions: PSY3142: Psychology and the Law