This course will survey the major areas of psychology and law, including (but not limited to) psychology of forensic science, lie detection, interrogations and confessions, eyewitness memory, and jury decision making. Information provided via lectures, videos, articles, and the text will provide the student with a broad understanding of the impact that psychology can have on any one individual within the criminal justice system, as well as the impact that psychology can have on the legal system itself.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe key concepts in psychology and the law and the theories and the methods used to address these.
- Identify and describe major psychological terms and concepts in forensic science.
- Describe the various ways that psychological research can inform the legal system.
- Think critically about the interactive relationship between psychology and the law.
- Think critically about current research and topics in psychology and the law.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory quizzes (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written assignment (35) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- Final exam (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour lecture per week and 6 x 2 hours of laboratories spread across the semester.
- Approximately 94 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Costanzo, M. & Krauss, D. (2021). Forensic and legal psychology: Psychological science applied to the law. 4th Edition. New York: Worth Publishers.
Assumed Knowledge
Prior completion of PSYC1003 and PSYC1004 are strongly recommended.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 4B
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7715 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |