Forensic psychology

Objectives

1. Understand the basic principles of forensic psychology and its applications in the legal system. 
2. Develop knowledge and skills to assess, analyse, and diagnose mental health issues relevant to criminal behaviour.
3. Learn to evaluate psychological evidence in criminal proceedings and advise on appropriate legal strategies based on this evidence.
4. Analyse ethical considerations when working with clients in a forensic setting.
5. Explore the history of forensic psychology and its role in contemporary society. 
6. Examine current theories of moral reasoning related to criminal behaviour and punishment decisions by the courts. 
7. Develop an understanding of sentencing options for defendants based on psychological reports or evaluations conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, as well as an understanding of evidence-based interventions that may be used in sentencing and correctional settings

Course Outline 

Module 1: Introduction to Forensic Psychology 

• Definitions, history, context 
• Roles and duties of a forensic psychologist 
• Ethics in forensic psychology 
• Ethical considerations when working with clients in a forensic setting
• Subspecialties of forensic psychology (e.g., assessment, expert opinion, and testimony) 
• Basic principles of forensic psychology and its applications in the legal system.

Module 2: Criminal Investigation Processes and Procedures  

• Legal processes of crime investigations 
• Theories of criminal behaviour 
• Investigative interviewing strategies and techniques 
• Evaluate psychological evidence in criminal proceedings and advise on appropriate legal strategies based on this evidence.

Module 3: Risk Assessment & Profiling for Crime Prevention & Intervention  

• Understanding risk factors for offending behaviour (e.g., recidivism) 
• Assessing risk of violence/dangerousness among offenders  
• Statistical methods for offender profiling 

Module 4: Mental State Examination and Competency Evaluations  

• Assessment instruments for determining competency to stand trial     
• Psychological evaluations for more complex cognitive capacities (e.g., malingering)  
• Considerations in diagnostics when working with the criminal justice system 

Module 5: Treating Offenders with Mental Health Issues

• Interventions for treating mental health issues in offenders (e.g., psychopharmacology)  
• Ethical considerations when working with people who have committed crimes while mentally ill 

Module 6: Testimony Preparation & Expert Witness Services

• Preparing effective testimony within court proceedings     
• Guidelines stipulated by the Rules of Evidence     
• Providing consultation services as an expert witness
• Understanding of sentencing options for defendants based on psychological reports or evaluations conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, as well as an understanding of evidence-based interventions that may be used in sentencing and correctional settings

Module 7: Exams and certification