JSB174 Forensic Psychology and the Justice System
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | JSB174 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | PYB215 |
| Equivalent(s): | JSB136 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | The Commonwealth supported place student contribution amount for this unit depends upon the course of study. Find out more |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,204 |
| International unit fee | $4,572 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | JSB174 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | JSB136 |
| Anti-requisite: | PYB215 |
| Coordinator: | Claire Ferguson | claire.ferguson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Forensic Psychology is readily acknowledged as one of the fastest growing areas of psychology in the world. Psychologists are now involved significantly in policing, judicial procedures and correctional processes. The term 'forensic' literally means 'of or used in law courts' (Australian Oxford Paperback Dictionary). The phrase 'psychology and the justice system', however, is now used more generally to describe the different ways in which psychology and law intersect - namely the psychology of the law, psychology in the law, and psychology by the law. By its very nature the study of psychology and law draws from a wide multidisciplinary base for the application of specialised knowledge. As a student of this discipline area, you will need a broad introductory appreciation of (and a critical perspective on) what the study of psychology involves.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the contribution that the field of psychology makes to understanding criminality and the operation of the criminal justice system (CLO 1.1)
- Critically assess the role of psychology research in assisting the justice system (CLOs 1.2, 2.3,4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social justice implications of psychological approaches and models (CLO 2.1, 2.4)
- Effectively communicate key concepts of forensic psychology for a professional audience (CLOs 3.1, 3.2)
Content
This unit consists of three modules designed to introduce students to forensic psychology and its application to the justice system. In the first module, students will learn how psychologists may assist in investigating crime and criminal behaviour. In the second module, students will learn about how psychologists may assist in the criminal courts. In the final module, students will learn about how psychologists may work with an offender and victim post-crime event. Each module focuses on the clinical and research applications of psychology to understanding the processes of the justice system.
Learning Approaches
This unit will be taught using both lecture and tutorial formats for internal students, and by a directed study and online tutorial format for online students. The emphasis will be on student learning through quality collaboration and interaction and active participation in lectures and tutorials and through analysis of the set readings. Lectures in this unit will be delivered by both Justice and Psychology staff, and all lectures will be available via the QUT Canvas site following the time of presentation.
This unit leverages technology to facilitate active learning experiences for both internal and online students. This approach will use a range of media including web-based technologies, online collaborative learning, streaming audio, video and text-based resources.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- formal: formative quizzes on Canvas
- formal: tutorial feedback and time to collaborate/speak in tutorials with others
- formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
- direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- indirect: to the whole class.
Assessment
Overview
There are two distinct forms of assessment used in this unit - formative and summative. Formative assessment provides you with either written or verbal feedback for a piece of assessment and summative assessment provides you with a mark that will contribute to your final grade in the unit. There are two types of assessment that count for your final grade in this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Virtual Forensic Case Report
This assessment task simulates a real-world scenario by providing students with the opportunity to act as a research assistant for for a professional psychology firm. They will select a case involving a client from the options provided on Canvas and prepare and record a virtual presentation that applies academic literature to critically assess the case.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Exam
This exam will test your understanding of the unit content, including theories of forensic psychology and the law, and your ability to apply critical thinking skills to various issues within the field of forensic psychology.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Pozzulo, J, Bennell, C & Forth, A (2018). Forensic Psychology, 6th edition. Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Education
Recommended text(s)
Adler, J R (ed.) (2004). Forensic Psychology: Concepts, Debates and Practice. Cullompton, Devon: Willan Publishing.
Bartol, C R, & Bartol, A M (eds) (2004b). Psychology and the Law: Theory, Research and Application, 3rd edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson.
Bartol, Curt R and Bartol, Anne M (2012). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Blackburn, R (1995). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct: Theory, Research and Practice. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Blau, T H (ed.) (2001). The Psychologist as Expert Witness, 2nd edition. New York: Wiley.
Carson, D, & Bull, R (eds) (2003). Handbook of Psychology in Legal Contexts. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Goldstein, A M & Weiner, I B (eds) (2003). Handbook of Psychology, Forensic Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Jackson, J L, & Bekerian, D A (eds) (1997). Offender Profiling: Theory, Research and Practice. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Kapardis, A (ed.) (2003). Psychology and Law: A Critical Introduction, 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | JSB174 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | JSB136 |
| Anti-requisite: | PYB215 |
Overview
Forensic Psychology is readily acknowledged as one of the fastest growing areas of psychology in the world. Psychologists are now involved significantly in policing, judicial procedures and correctional processes. The term 'forensic' literally means 'of or used in law courts' (Australian Oxford Paperback Dictionary). The phrase 'psychology and the justice system', however, is now used more generally to describe the different ways in which psychology and law intersect - namely the psychology of the law, psychology in the law, and psychology by the law. By its very nature the study of psychology and law draws from a wide multidisciplinary base for the application of specialised knowledge. As a student of this discipline area, you will need a broad introductory appreciation of (and a critical perspective on) what the study of psychology involves.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the contribution that the field of psychology makes to understanding criminality and the operation of the criminal justice system (CLO 1.1)
- Critically assess the role of psychology research in assisting the justice system (CLOs 1.2, 2.3,4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social justice implications of psychological approaches and models (CLO 2.1, 2.4)
- Effectively communicate key concepts of forensic psychology for a professional audience (CLOs 3.1, 3.2)
Content
This unit consists of three modules designed to introduce students to forensic psychology and its application to the justice system. In the first module, students will learn how psychologists may assist in investigating crime and criminal behaviour. In the second module, students will learn about how psychologists may assist in the criminal courts. In the final module, students will learn about how psychologists may work with an offender and victim post-crime event. Each module focuses on the clinical and research applications of psychology to understanding the processes of the justice system.
Learning Approaches
This unit will be taught using both lecture and tutorial formats for internal students, and by a directed study and online tutorial format for online students. The emphasis will be on student learning through quality collaboration and interaction and active participation in lectures and tutorials and through analysis of the set readings. Lectures in this unit will be delivered by both Justice and Psychology staff, and all lectures will be available via the QUT Canvas site following the time of presentation.
This unit leverages technology to facilitate active learning experiences for both internal and online students. This approach will use a range of media including web-based technologies, online collaborative learning, streaming audio, video and text-based resources.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- formal: formative quizzes on Canvas
- formal: tutorial feedback and time to collaborate/speak in tutorials with others
- formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
- direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- indirect: to the whole class.
Assessment
Overview
There are two distinct forms of assessment used in this unit - formative and summative. Formative assessment provides you with either written or verbal feedback for a piece of assessment and summative assessment provides you with a mark that will contribute to your final grade in the unit. There are two types of assessment that count for your final grade in this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Virtual Forensic Case Report
This assessment task simulates a real-world scenario by providing students with the opportunity to act as a research assistant for for a professional psychology firm. They will select a case involving a client from the options provided on Canvas and prepare and record a virtual presentation that applies academic literature to critically assess the case.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Exam
This exam will test your understanding of the unit content, including theories of forensic psychology and the law, and your ability to apply critical thinking skills to various issues within the field of forensic psychology.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Pozzulo, J, Bennell, C & Forth, A (2018). Forensic Psychology, 6th edition. Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Education
Recommended text(s)
Adler, J R (ed.) (2004). Forensic Psychology: Concepts, Debates and Practice. Cullompton, Devon: Willan Publishing.
Bartol, C R, & Bartol, A M (eds) (2004b). Psychology and the Law: Theory, Research and Application, 3rd edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson.
Bartol, Curt R and Bartol, Anne M (2012). Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Blackburn, R (1995). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct: Theory, Research and Practice. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Blau, T H (ed.) (2001). The Psychologist as Expert Witness, 2nd edition. New York: Wiley.
Carson, D, & Bull, R (eds) (2003). Handbook of Psychology in Legal Contexts. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Goldstein, A M & Weiner, I B (eds) (2003). Handbook of Psychology, Forensic Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Jackson, J L, & Bekerian, D A (eds) (1997). Offender Profiling: Theory, Research and Practice. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Kapardis, A (ed.) (2003). Psychology and Law: A Critical Introduction, 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.