This course will explore the application of psychology to the civil and criminal legal systems. Key topics will be covered that span the breadth of the criminal justice system from commission of the crime (e.g. eyewitnesses), the investigation (e.g. interrogations), pretrial matters (e.g. voir dire, competency to stand trial), the trial (e.g. jury decision making, insanity defense), and sentencing (e.g. judicial use of extralegal factors). Psychological theories will be utilized to explain and understand the way people function in the legal system. Fall, Spring.
Undergraduate Courses
Course Delivery DEFINITIONS:
- Online Courses: In online teaching, 100% of instruction takes place online via Canvas and with supplemental platforms like Zoom. There are two types of online courses: asynchronous and synchronous.
- Asynchronous online: Course is fully online, with lessons, assignments, and activities posted in Canvas with due dates. Students complete coursework, engage in discussions, etc., based upon their own schedules, but are required to meet posted deadlines.
- Synchronous online: Online course that includes real-time class meetings using technology (e.g. Zoom). The number of required meetings varies based upon the particular class, but meetings take place during the scheduled class times. Faculty will inform students of the schedule for real-time meetings in their courses.
- Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses combine both in-person, on-campus meetings with online instruction. All face-to-face activities take place during the regularly-scheduled meeting times in the rooms assigned on the course listing. The number of in-person meetings varies by course. Faculty will notify students of the exact meeting schedule for their courses.
If your class is not listed as online or hybrid, it will meet fully face-to-face following the noted class schedule.
This course will examine the interaction between clinical psychology and the legal system. It will explore the knowledge and skills needed by clinicians in the courtroom as well as the case law and policies that determine the role of the clinician in the legal system. Key topics to be discussed include: competency to stand trial, insanity defense, civil commitment, and determination of future dangerousness. Prerequisite: successful completion of FPY 262 with a C- or better, or with instructor’s permission. Spring.
Crosslisted with CSL 597. (3 seats)
This lab is a complement to Senior Seminar for Forensic Psychology majors (FPY 498, PSY 497, PSY 498, CJS 496, or CJS 497). The purpose of this lab is to help students prepare for and successfully complete each section of the required Departmental Comprehensive Exam. Included are a combination of online and in classroom learning experiences. Students will receive study materials to help prepare them to complete each section of the exam that is administered each term. Review sessions will be offered as needed leading up to the administration of the exam. Either FPY 498, PSY 497, PSY 498, CJS 496, or CJS 497 are co-requisite or prerequisite for this course. Students must complete this lab, each part of the comprehensive exam with a grade of C or better, and the senior exit survey. Fall, Spring. Only open to senior Forensic Psychology majors.
Must have passed PSY 299 with C or better and already completed or be co-registered with PSY 497, PSY 498, CJS 496, CJS 497, FPY 498.
This course is designed to provide Forensic Psychology majors with a capstone experience. Each student in this course will be required to successfully complete and present a project on a significant question or topic that is being addressed by forensic psychologists currently working in the discipline. Fulfills writing-intensive requirement. Prerequisite: PSY 299 completed with a C- or better and must co-register with FPY 498L. Successful completion of the seminar, with a C- or better, is required for graduation. Open only to senior Forensic Psychology majors. Spring.
For Forensic Psychology majors only.