PSF4107 – Courtroom Psychology
Description:
This course uses psychological processes and concepts to investigate components of
the American legal system. The course goes beyond specific laws to discuss the
decision processes of those involved in the legal process – police officers, prosecutors,
defense lawyers, judges and juries. The course also covers the trial process itself such
as courtroom procedures, rules of evidence and the relevant psychological research
addressing these concepts.
Prerequisites/Co requisites:
 PSF2511 & CRM3406
Textbook:
 Greene, Heilbrun, Fortune, and Nietzel. (2006). Wrightsman’s Psychology
and the Legal System, 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth
Publishing. ISBN: 0-534-52106-1.
Course Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course should have an understanding of:
 The laws and legal proceedings of trials in the United States;
 The dilemmas faced in the legal system between individual rights, protecting
the common good, promoting science and adhering to established laws;
 The contributions of psychological research to each step (and each individual)
in the legal process; and
 How recent laws and Supreme Court decisions may affect the process in the
future.
Course Requirements:
The course includes a variety of debate and discussion issues, readings, supplemental
materials (video), exercises, and lectures.
Grading

Quizzes (weekly)
25%

Exercises /Class Participation (Discussion Postings)
20%

Midterm and Final Exam
30%

Class Project
15%

Position Paper
10%