Forensic Psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

First level concluded.

Teaching Methods

There will be theoretical and practical classes. The first ones will focus on concepts, theoretical models and critical analyses of relevant research on topics of the syllabus described above. The second ones will consist of presentation and discussion of scientific videos as well as discussion of cases that illustrate the topics lectured in theoretical classes. Especial attention will be given to the presentation and discussion of works prepared, presented and discussed by each student. These essays are linked to specific topics of the syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular Unit aims to provide the students with a critical and broad view of the main contributions of Psychology to the judicial system in its different traits (e.g. criminal and juvenile justice).

Through this curricular Unit, we hope that students learn the main concepts and principles of Forensic Psychology, get acquainted with the techniques and procedures frequently used by psychologists working in this area, acquire a deep knowledge of the dominant issues both at intervention and research level, and feel ready to deal with ethical and deontological problems that forensic psychologist are often confronted with.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. What is Forensic Psychology?

- A brief historical overview

2. The psychologist in the legal context

- Roles of the forensic psychologist

- Some aspects of expert evidence

3. Mental disorder and crime:

- An overview

- The case of personality disorders, psychopathy and crime:

• Terminology and concepts
• Subtypes and models of psychopathy
• Rating Scales
• Recent efforts to extend the concept to children and adolescents

4. Criminal responsibility

5. Evaluation of legal competences with special emphasis on the competences to stand trial

6. Assessing the risk of violence/dangerousness

- The issue of the risk of sexual violence

7. Recovered memories and false confessions

8. Child and adolescent forensic psychology

- Recent developments

9. Current issues in the rehabilitation of serious offenders:

- The issue of therapeutic jurisprudence

10.Reflexions about some selected recent cases in forensic psychology

Head Lecturer(s)

António Castro Fonseca

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Practical work : 35.0%
Final examination of the theoretical component : 65.0%

Bibliography

Bailey, S. & Dolan, M. (2004). Adolescent forensic psychiatry. London: Arnold.

Borgida, E. & Fiske, S. T.(Eds). (2008). Beyond Common Sense: Psychological Science in the Courtroom. USA: Blackwell Publishing.

Fonseca, A. C., Simões, M. R., Taborda Simões, M. C. & Pinho, M. S. (2006). Psicologia forense. Coimbra: Almedina.

Fonseca, A. C. (2008). Psicologia e Justiça. Coimbra: Almedina.

Goldstein, A. M. (2007). Forensic psychology: Emerging topics and expanding roles. New York: Wiley.

Gonçalves, R. A. & Machado, C. (Eds.) (2005). Psicologia forense. Coimbra: Quarteto.

Hess, A. K. & Weiner, I. B. (Eds.) (2006). Handbook of Forensic Psychology. (3ªed.)New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Skeem, J. L., Douglas, K. S. & Lilienfeld, S. O. (2009). Psychological science in the courtroom: consensus and controversy. New York: The Guilford Press.

Viaux, J. L. (2003). Psychologie légale. Paris: Éditions Frison-Roche.