Psychology of Law

PSYC 0356

Professor Vivian Hagan

Psychology Department

vhagan@wsc.ma.edu

Course Overview:

This course examines the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Topics include the role of psychologists in the judicial system, criminal investigation, jury selection, eyewitness testimony, competence to stand trial, insanity defense, the use of hypnosis and lie detection and its admissibility in the courts, effects of post-traumatic stress, abuse, and neglect, and predictions of dangerousness. The course will include online discussion, exams, written assignments and attending actual court trials.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course; however, it is not recommended for freshman.

Required Text:

Wrightsman's Psychology and the Legal System, 6th Edition

Edie Greene, Kirk Heilbrun, William H. Fortune, Michael T. Nietzel

ISBN-13: 9780534521066  |

WRIGHTMAN'S PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM shows you the critical importance of psychology's concepts and methods to the functioning of so many aspects of today's legal system. Including topics such as competence to stand trial, the insanity defense, expert forensic testimony, analysis of eye witness identification, criminal profiling, and more, this best-selling book gives you a comprehensive overview of psychology's contributions--and the many roles available to trained psychologists--within the legal system. Featuring intriguing cases from recent trials to help you understand psychological, legal, ethical and moral issues involved, this Sixth Edition also contains new information on brain fingerprinting, hostage negotiation, domestic violence, mental illness, drug courts, child witness suggestibility, and other current, newly researched topics.

FINAL GRADE:

Your final grade will be determined by your performance on all assignments and quizzes.  A detailed grading scale will be provided on the course syllabus.

LEARNING PLATO:

If this is your first time taking an online course, you are strongly encouraged to visit the following website to learn how to use PLATO before the semester begins.

http://www.wsc.ma.edu/plato/

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity is submitting one’s own work and properly acknowledging the contributions of others. Please click on the following link for the university policy.

http://www.wsc.ma.edu/Current_Students/Student_Handbook/Academic_Life/Academic_Honesty_Policy.html