lcr2psy introduction to forensic psychology and the law

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW

LCR2PSY

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject introduces students to a range of topics where psychological research has shaped criminal law and procedure. Case studies will be examined to explore how systemic factors and procedures in the criminal justice system have evolved to take into account developments in understanding human behaviour and as a result of increased awareness of miscarriages of justice. Topics include: the psychological factors influencing eyewitness identification - specifically factors relevant to memory, perception and recall; the psychology of interrogations and false confessions; the detection of deception; and the psychological dimensions of juror decision-making. This subject also examines the laws and procedures relevant to the criminal prosecution of people with mental illness and/or cognitive impairment, including fitness to stand trial and the defence of mental impairment, as well as the rules relating to expert evidence in criminal trials. The subject concludes with an examination of the psychological literature relevant to some special categories of offenders, such as juvenile offenders, violent offenders and sex offenders.

SchoolLa Trobe Law School (Pre 2022)

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorSuzanne O'Toole

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsNo

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesN/A

Capstone subjectNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesLAW1LIM OR LCR1CSS OR LCR1ALS

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Quota Management StrategyN/A

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Learning resources

Legal Psychology in Australia

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementPrescribed

AuthorMark Nolan and Jane Goodman-Delahunty

Year2015

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherThomson Reuters

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Career Ready

Career-focusedNo

Work-based learningNo

Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A

Entire subject or partial subjectN/A

Total hours/days requiredN/A

Location of WBL activity (region)N/A

WBL addtional requirementsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Demonstrate a capacity to understand and critically evaluate key concepts relating to forensic psychology and the law

02. Explain and critique case-based and statutory principles relating to forensic psychology and the law

03. Demonstrate a developed capacity to integrate case-based and statutory principles to arrive at a solution to a problem raised in a given fact situation

04. Demonstrate understanding of the policy environment in which the interaction between psychology and the law is debated and resolved

05. Write effectively using the principles of plain legal English

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Bendigo, 2020, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment informationN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSuzanne O'Toole

Class requirements

Lecture/SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
Research essay or report (1500 word equivalent)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	30	SILO1, SILO5
One take-home examination (2000 word equivalent)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	55	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5
Online Quiz (500 words equivalent)To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	15	SILO1, SILO3, SILO4

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 1, Blended