PSL3072

Psychological foundations of law (6 points)

(MED)

Leader: Dr Shantha Rajaratnam

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis:

Objectives: 1. Upon successful completion of this subject, students will have aquired an understanding of: a. the application of psychological principles and research methods to the legal system, legal process and policy; b. ways in which psychologists may be involved in the legal system; and c. principles of law which are relevant to the field of psychology, in particular the notions of mental impairment and criminal responsibilty 2. Students will develop skills in the critical evaluation of forensic psychology research and theories. 3. Students will have aquiried competence and generic skills such as written and oral communications of psychological research and theory in the legal context, group and team management in carrying out group research, and critical thinking and analysis in the preparation of an individual research paper.

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