PSYC-217

This course examines how psychological science informs legal decision-making, policy, and practice, primarily within the U.S. legal system. The course explores topics such as criminal behavior, policing and use of force, eyewitness memory, interrogations and confessions, forensic evidence, the insanity defense, victimization, and jury decision-making. Students engage with empirical research to apply psychological principles, critically evaluate evidence, and assess when and how research should guide law and policy in complex social contexts. Major assignments include real-world case analyses, research-based writing, and a public-facing project. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Distribution area: None.

Academic Credit, DIST-SOCIAL SCIENCES, Law, Culture & Humanities (LCH)