Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of the interaction between our legal system and psychology. Roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists will be examined. Topics covered will include criminal profiling with a focus on serial killers; the insanity defense; criminal competencies; child custody cases; eyewitness and expert testimonies; civil commitment for dangerous offenders; and victimization. Graduate students will write an 8-10 page research paper on a controversial topic in forensic psychology and will develop and deliver a 15-30 minute presentation to the class on the research paper.