Has forensic psychology improved the course of justice and the lives of accused persons and victims? What is the impact and utility of psychology within the criminal justice system? This module will answer to these questions and provide you with the ability to critically analyse the criminal justice system by examining the stages of that system with a focus on the intersections between psychological practice and psychological research and the system. The topics you will cover move you through learning about the system from entry to conclusion, parallelling how the criminal justice system would progress an accused person after a crime has been committed. Psychological research that has enhanced and advanced the criminal justice system is highlighted and described to build the foundations of your knowledge base as an aspiring forensic psychologist. Research that criticises current practices within the justice system is also examined to identify gaps in research and practice that you can impact upon in your future career. Through a combination of lecture, discussion and activity formats you will learn: how accused persons are identified and their interactions with the system and its actors (e.g., police), how courts of law determine which accused persons and which professional ‘experts’ can participate in the trial process, how decision making in rendered by lay persons and the court and how psychologists are involved in supporting offenders and in public protection post court disposal.
Workshop 32
The module is compulsory for the following courses
MSc Forensic Psychology
This module is not available as an optional module
Extended Writing. Assessment Details: Essay 2,500 words worth 100%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment Method: Like for like.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Explain how the criminal justice process works alongside evidencing a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors and research which may be relevant at each stage of the criminal justice process.
2.Appreciate the usefulness and applicability of psychological research in the criminal justice system and evaluate the role of forensic psychologists in the criminal justice system.
3.Identify and evaluate the roles of key stakeholders in the criminal justice systems.
4.Identify gaps in our psychological knowledge of the criminal justice system and areas for future psychological research.
5.Critically analyse practices within and components of the criminal justice system.
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