The study of forensic psychology is an endeavor to understand the intersection of mental health practice and the law. This course will focus on what clinical forensic psychology has to offer legal processes and the criminal justice system, the assessment and treatment of individuals who interact with the legal system, and how the law may dictate the interests and activities of practicing psychologists. This course will cover issues in defining forensic psychology; forensic assessment, treatment, and consultation; forensic expert testimony; ethics in forensic practice; clinical vs. forensic psychology roles; psychopathy; violence risk assessment; sexual offenders; behavioral threat assessment and management; intimate partner and domestic violence, stalking, workplace and school violence, and attacks on public figures; civil commitment; competence to stand trial and other criminal and civil competencies; insanity defense and criminal responsibility; criminal profiling and psychological autopsies; and interviewing and interrogation research. As a 400-level capstone course, there will also be emphasis on writing for psychology and completing a full thesis project.
- Teacher: Kate Schoeneman