Law Themes in Forensic Psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

This course unit does not demand any prerequisites, either at competency or knowledge level

Teaching Methods

Classes will rotate between expository methods, analysis or jurisprudence; case studies; contacts with judiciary services and court support

Learning Outcomes

General objectives:

- To promote knowledge/understanding in the area of theses and fundamental juridical norms for working as a psychologist in a forensic context;

- To develop competencies of analysis and reflexion in the articulation between Law and Psychology, be it in the conceptual field or in forensic practice

Theoretical Competencies, the intention is that the students:

- Know the different areas of Law at the level if its principles and main procedural rules;

- Identify the principles, norms and juridical rules which frame the role of the forensic psychologist;

- Recognise the specificities of each juridical area.

Practical Competencies, the intention is that the students:

- Are able to apply the acquired knowledge in real, specific situations

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Law and Psychology

The Pillars of Legal System and Judicial Organisation

Penal Law and Criminal Procedure

- Crime: crimes against people; Crimes against the family;

- Broad strokes of Portuguese criminal procedure

- Evidence: testimony, witness protection and statements; expert evidence;

- Provisional suspension of procedure;

- Sentence and execution of sentencing and security measures.

- Legal regime of Penal Mediation

Law and Civil Process

- Principles and essential procedural rules;

- Evidence: witness testimony, expert testimony;

- Incapacity

- Moral damage

Mental Health Law

Rights of the Family and of Children and Youngsters

-          Families in Portuguese law (maternity and paternity);

-          Parental responsibility: regulation, limitation and inhibition/reversal of prosecution;

-          Adoption; civil sponsorship;

-          Law of Protection of Children and Youngsters in Danger;

-          Educational Tutelary Law

Mediation in Family and Child Law

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Maria Marques Alberto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
a) two tests – 5 marks each; b) assignments – 10 marks. The students will be informed of the content and structure of the work/assignment at the beginning of each academic year. The students also have the option of taking an exam worth 20 marks in a single assessment.: 100.0%

Bibliography

Bolieiro, H. & Guerra, P. (2009). A criança e a justiça. Coimbra: Coimbra Editor.

Carmo, R. (2011). A Prova Pericial – enquadramento legal. In M. Matos & R. A. Gonçalves (Coord).  Manual de Psicologia Forense (pp.35-50). Braga: Psiquilíbrios.

Centro de Direito da Família da Universidade de Coimbra (2009). 4ª Bienal de Jurisprudência de Direito da Família. Coimbra: Coimbra Editora.

Latas, A. J., & Vieira, F. (2004). Notas e Comentários à Lei de Saúde Mental. Coimbra: CEJ/Coimbra Editora.

Santos, M. S., & Leal-Henriques, M. (2011). Noções de Direito Penal (4ª edição). Lisboa: Rei dos Livros.