APY3060

Psychology and the law

Ms Christine Ffrench

6 points
* One 1-hour lecture and one 3-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: APY2020

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will 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. Students will examine the diverse areas in which psychology contributes to the justice system in both the applied and research fields. Topics include 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; psychopathological actiology, 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