APY3060

Psychology and the law

Ms Christine Ffrench

8 points (6 points for students who commenced from 1994)
* One 1-hour lecture, one 3-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield* and Peninsula*
* Prerequisites: APY2020

*To be confirmed.

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, Nietzel M T and Fortune W H Psychology and the legal system Brooks Cole, 1994