Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 268 D100

Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 3232

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Adele Quigley-McBride
    aquigley@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-6727
    Office: RCB 6317
    Office Hours: TBC

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The role and influence of psychology in the legal system will be discussed. Topics include: social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, mental disability and law.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The legal system is run by people to regulate the actions of people, so how people feel, think, and behave has a role in and influence on every part of that system. Topics include: Policing, criminal profiling, forensic science, eyewitness memory, interrogations, children and the law, plea bargaining, judges and juries, mental illness in criminal cases, sentencing and parole, risk assessment, and psychopathy.

Grading

  • Written Assessments: 15%
  • Midterm exam #1: 25%
  • Midterm exam #2: 25%
  • Final exam: 35%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Pozzulo, J., Bennell, C. and Forth, A. (2022). Forensic Psychology (6th ed.). Pearson.
ISBN: 9780135749906

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.