PSY210 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
This course will focus on the application of psychological knowledge and concepts to legal issues. Among the areas discussed are: (a) clinical-forensic applications of psychology to legal issues which may include: legal competencies; insanity, the prediction of dangerousness, civil commitment, compensation for emotional damages, confidentiality and the duty to protect, and ethical conflicts and issues in working in the legal system; and (b) legal-forensic (non-clinical) application of psychology to legal issues which may include: the history of forensic psychology; eyewitness memory, criminal investigation, and the trial and jury process. Particular emphasis will be placed on social justice and cultural sensitivity in working within forensic environments.