This course is designed to provide an overview of the interaction between psychology and the criminal/correctional aspects of the law. It will focus primarily on the three major assessments psychologists conduct in the criminal justice system: competence to stand trial evaluations, mental state at the time of the offense (mens rea and the insanity defense) evaluations, and the assessment of risk/prediction of future suicidality and/or dangerousness. This course will also provide students with a framework for understanding the clinical, conceptual and ethical issues pertaining to evaluations of malingering cognitive and functional psychological symptoms. The content of the course is divided between understanding the legal issues involved in forensic referrals, the application of psychological principals to these legal issues and the use of forensic assessment instruments.   The objectives of this course are to: (1) apply psychological theory and research to criminal law proceedings; (2) become oriented to the assessment methodology and instruments employed when conducting justice-involved evaluations; (3) learn the fundamental elements of the legal and correctional systems, as well as types of referral questions typically asked; (4) highlight relevant criminal case law for practitioners; (5) apply relevant ethical decision-making and (6) continued formation of forensic writing and testimonial skills. 

Prerequisite courses: PSY-730