The pros and cons of psychology in the legal system are debated throughout the course. This course examines the relationship of social science to law and the legal process. Over the past several decades, increasing numbers of scholars have devoted substantial attention to the systematic study of law and legal institutions. At the same time, scientists themselves are testifying as experts in increasing numbers, and encouraging lawyers and judges at both the trial and appellate levels to rely on research evidence in adjudicating court cases. The course examines both of these rapidly accelerating developments.
Students also undertake their own research projects on social science and law in the course.
Traditional criminologists often ignored women as objects of scholarly investigation, focusing on male criminals instead. But over the last several decades there has been increasing attention to women in criminal justice. This course reviews explanations for female crime and looks at how much and what types of crime women actually commit, and how women convicted of crime fare in the correctional system. It also explores in depth how women are treated in the courts as both victims and defendants. Until the last few decades, such rhetoric remained untested.