HPS206 - Psychology in the Criminal Justice System
Unit details
| Year | 2014 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) Trimester 3: Cloud (online), CBD |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit chair: | Margaret Nixon Email: HPS206@deakin.edu.au |
| Contact hours: | Trimester 2: Classes are run in 8 of the 11 weeks. Presented in these weeks are 1 x 1 hour cloud (online) class, 1 x 2 hour seminar, 1 x 1 hour practical. Trimester 3: All content presented in Cloud (online). |
Note:You will need to access substantial learning resources and experiences in CloudDeakin (Deakin’s online learning environment). Compliance with the Standards in computing, connectivity and student capability are a condition on your enrolment.This unit may not be included as a part of a 10 point accredited major sequence in psychology (as required for application for further study in psychology). | |
Content
This unit provides students with an overview of how psychology informs and assists the criminal justice system. It also provides students with an understanding of the various applied roles that psychologists play within the criminal justice system.
The unit is divided into three parts.
The first part covers psychological explanation of crime, including (a) an overview of the Australian legal system (b) theories of offending and their applications, and (c) why people commit theft, violent and sexual crimes.
The second part describes the role that psychology plays in the investigative stage, including (a) the role of interviewing in investigation, (b) eyewitness testimony, and (c) the role of deception.
The third part provides an overview of the role that psychology plays in the courtroom and discusses (a) psychological research into juries and (b) the role of psychologists as expert witnesses.
Assessment
Examination (1.5 hours) 50%, assignment (1500 words) 30%, 2 self-directed learning exercises (750 words each 10%) 20%
Prescribed texts
Kapardis, A. (2014). Psychology and Law (4th edition). Port Melbourne, Australia: Cambridge University Press.
In addition to the prescribed text, online readings will be provided on CloudDeakin.
Unit Fee Information
| Student Contribution Rate* | Student Contribution Rate** | Fee rate - Domestic Students | Fee rate - International students |
| $755 | $755 | $2764 | $2950 |
* Rate for all CSP students, except for those who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
** Rate for CSP students who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.