Copyright 2005-2006, Dr. Goodness & Associates

Course Objectives:

1.      To recognize the importance of attending to all the details of a task and following instructions.

2.      To survey the major areas of interest shared by psychology and law.

3.      To explore a variety of psycho-legal issues from the often conflicting viewpoints of the psychologist and the lawyer.

4.      To describe the various roles that psychologists play in the legal system and discuss the ethical issues associated with those roles.

5.      To describe the relationship between legality and morality and apply it to such legal/moral issues as the death penalty, sentencing disparity, and attorney ethics.

6.      To discuss some of the major ethical dilemmas faced by mental health professionals working with the legal system.

7.      To become familiar with statute and case law as it impacts the mental health practitioner.

8.      To be introduced to the multitude of ways that the forensic clinician can contribute constructively to the legal process.

9.      To be introduced to various career opportunities in forensic psychology.

10.    To become aware of the multitude of other disciplines with which the forensic psychologist interacts and often counts on in producing their work.

The University of Texas at Dallas

The focus of this course is on examining the relationship between the practice of psychology and the functioning of the legal system. The course surveys many aspects of the practice of clinical forensic psychology including assessment, treatment, and consultation services. Practical clinical issues will be highlighted as well as the relevant aspects of the law. In fact, the course will be heavily weighted towards law. The student will obtain an appreciation for the many and varied ways psychology can assist, influence and interact with the legal system. Special emphasis is placed on ethical issues in forensic practice. The course introduces the student to various career opportunities in forensic psychology. In addition, students will be exposed to a variety of professionals who hail from disciplines whose work complements, utilizes or depends on forensic psychology.