PSY526 The Forensic Psychologist in Practice (16)
CSU Discipline Area: Psychology (PSYCH)
Abstract:
This subject focuses on psychological theory and practice applied to Forensic Psychology. Critical issues related to the practice of criminal and civil matters will be given equal emphasis. Criminal law issues related to pre-trial (arrest, policing, victims of crime), the dynamics of trial (eg jury issues and sentencing) and problems related to incarceration and its alternatives will be discussed. In civil matters particular attention will be paid to the theory and practice of mediation and psychological advocacy within the legal system eg within the Family Court (rights of the child, impact of divorce etc) and in Civil Litigation (assessment of psychological injury, workers compensation etc).
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: PSY526
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Prerequisite(s):
(PSY522 or PSY531 ) and PSY523
Enrolment restrictions:
Master of Psychology and Doctor of Psychology students only
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the traditional practices of the legal system and the role of psychology "within the law" as compared with psychological research about the process "of the law"
- be able to critically analyse current issues in the Forensic domain through a psychological approach to understanding both the extant theories of crime and punishment and their actual application/lack of application within the Justice System
- be able to critically evaluate programmes that address forensic problems
- be able to undertake the role of mediator and advocate in the practice of conflict resolution while being fully aware of the ethical issues that impinge upon the Forensic context
- be able to participate as a professional in the ongoing public debate concerning critical Forensic issues
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Psychological, social and environmental correlates of crime - Issues relating to policing and the exercise of discretion - Indigenous Australians and the Justice System - The psychology of the criminal as it relates to different criminal acts. Problem content will cover the major forms of crime eg. Sexual offences, Drug and alcohol use/abuse related to crime etc - Socio-cultural context - Ethical issues related to so-called victimless crime eg. Prostitution - The psychology of the victim and the impact of the concept of victimology - Assessment of psychological disorder related to Forensic issues surrounding diagnosis. Its relevance to criminal defence, to assessment of rehabilitation claims, tests of various competency etc - Matters of civil litigation regarding nervous shock (psychological injury), post-traumatic stress disorder, harassment, and defamation - Family Law related to divorce, adoption, juvenile justice issues - Interpersonal skills related to mediation in conflict resolution leading to potential pre-judgement agreement - The effects of prison on both prisoners and corrective services personnel. The possibilities and limitations of treatment within the context of incarceration - Assessment in relation to alternatives to imprisonment - An introduction to the main research areas integral to the legal process and to decision making eg the dynamics of the Jury, eyewitness testimony etc
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 5 day residential school.
No change to the purpose and activities of the existing residential school.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 February 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.