Course overview
Learn about the ways psychology is applied to understanding and addressing issues of justice. Using research findings, psychological theory and case examples, this course will explore the use of psychological literature and risk assessment to promote equitable outcomes. It will also explore major approaches and controversies regarding justice, rehabilitation, restorative practices, and controversies surrounding systems of accountability and fairness.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the roles and tasks of psychologists in the legal system in court, correctional and forensic mental health settings.
- Explore presentation of psychological disorders in context of criminal offending.
- Communicate the conceptual and psychometric strengths and limitations of psychological research related to risk assessment and offender rehabilitation.
- Describe conceptual limitations of risk assessment and offender rehabilitation approaches for Indigenous people and innovations to address these limitations.
- Building on foundational competencies, analyse and synthesise psychological theory and research findings concerning selected types of criminal offending.
- Apply psychological intervention strategies, risk assessment strategies, and alternative approaches to offender rehabilitation in specific cases.