Psychology and the law
Christine Ffrench
8 points (6 points for students who commenced from 1994)
* One 1-hour
lecture, one 3-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula
* Prerequisites: APY2020
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should understand how mental malfunction is dealt with in the community; understand the conflict between psychological practice and legal expectations and requirements; have an understanding of legislation governing sentencing options; appreciate the myriad areas in which psychology may enhance the legal process.
Synopsis Central theme: the interface of psychology and the law. The diverse areas in which psychology contributes to the justice system in both the applied and research fields. The various roles a psychologist may undertake in that system. Legal and ethical issues, including relevant acts of Parliament. Labelling and stereotyping. Jury selection and decision making. Children in the legal system. Psychopathology; aetiology, assessment and therapeutic models. Alternative views of the treatment of the mentally ill offender.
Assessment Multiple-choice test: 40%
* Seminar presentation: 20%
* Two court reports: 40%
Prescribed texts
Wrightsman L S Psychology and the legal system Brooks-Cole, 1991
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