Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - PSYC 268 D100

Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

Class Number: 4078

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2019
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Acquaints students with the role and influence of psychology in the legal system. Topics in social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, and mental disability and law will be considered.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics:

Issues at the intersection of Psychology and Law have been studied for well over 100 years. In 1906, Sigmund Freud stated, in a speech to Austrian judges, that psychology has important applications to the legal system. In 1908, Hugo Munsterberg published On the Witness Stand, a review of issues that psychologists had studied that were relevant to the legal system. Between 1909 and 1918, Guy Whipple published a series of articles in Psychological Bulletin, on observations, memory, and witness testimony. Notwithstanding the contributions of these giants, sustained research in the area of Psychology and Law did not take hold until the mid 1960s. Since then, the discipline has advanced rapidly. Many and varied questions have been researched by psychologists who specialize in the area of forensic psychology and law including eyewitness identification, memory for crime, risk assessment, treatment of offenders, children’s competence as witnesses in court, and juveniles in the criminal justice system. The list of topics is long and the research is extensive. We begin with this course, an Introduction to Psychology and Law. The course will introduce you to the varied topics being studied in psychology and law and an overview of the current state of knowledge in each. Topics: History of psychology and law, The Canadian legal system, Forensic assessment in criminal domains, Forensic assessment in civil domains, Forensic treatment, Correctional psychology, Children and the law, Juveniles in the legal system, Eyewitness identification, Police interrogations and false confessions, Police psychology, Juries and legal decision making.

Grading

  • Mid-Term Exam: 30%
  • Final Exam: 30%
  • iClicker Quizzes (best 8): 10%
  • Group Discussions: 15%
  • Term Project: 10%
  • Participation: 5%

NOTES:

You will need an i>clicker (any physical version) to complete certain course activities.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ronald Roesch, Patricia A. Zapf, Stephen D. Hart, and Deborah A. Connolly.  Forensic Psychology and the Law - A Canadian Perspective.  1st edition.  John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1-118-16175-3

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS