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Blake McKimmie, Mark Horswill, and Barbara Masser

This course systematically explores the effectiveness of the law and justice system from a psychological perspective. By experiencing a fictional case first hand, you will learn about the psychology of law and some of the misconceptions commonly held about criminal justice.

What you'll learn

  • How to identify some of the myths about how the criminal justice system works from a psychological perspective
  • The empirical evidence that can inform our understanding of criminal justice
  • How to improve how justice is administered

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to identify some of the myths about how the criminal justice system works from a psychological perspective
  • The empirical evidence that can inform our understanding of criminal justice
  • How to improve how justice is administered

Syllabus

EPISODE 1: INVESTIGATING THE CRIME SCENE A murder has been committed. In this episode, find out about criminal profiling and how this might be used in investigating the crime. EPISODE 2:
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INTERVIEWING THE WITNESSES How reliable are eyewitnesses, and how can their memory of the crime be distorted? Learn about the encoding, storage and retrieval of eyewitness memories and ways these can be improved.
EPISODE 3: IDENTIFYING THE SUSPECT Photofits and line-ups are commonly used during crime investigations, and in this episode you will learn about how biases related to these can be recognized and reduced.
EPISODE 4: QUESTIONING THE SUSPECT How reliable are confessions? Can you identify when someone is lying? In this episode the investigators question the suspect and try to work out who is the guilty party.
EPISODE 5: GETTING READY FOR TRIAL The investigators think they have identified the murderer. Who decides whether someone is found guilty or not guilty? Does jury selection work? What part might media coverage play in how the case trial progresses?
EPISODE 6: THE TRIAL (PART 1) The jury has been selected and the trial commences. In this episode the evidence is presented and we hear about expert evidence and its reliability.
EPISODE 7: THE TRIAL (PART 2) The jury need to make a decision on the case. You will learn about judicial instructions and how juries deliberate.
EPISODE 8: EPILOGUE Did the investigators get the right person? Find out how it all ends in this final episode.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops critical thinking skills in areas of criminal justice, law, and psychology
Examines the psychological aspects of the criminal justice system in depth
Covers a wide range of topics in a coherent and systematic way
Provides a unique perspective on criminal justice and its psychological underpinnings
Employs case studies and interactive materials to enhance learning
May require prior knowledge or experience in criminal justice, law, or psychology

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Reviews summary

Criminal psychology

According to students, this course on criminal psychology is highly engaging and easy to follow. It is well-structured with weekly themes and videos that follow a scripted criminal investigation.
This course is challenging but not daunting.
"It was difficult enough to be challenging but not too daunting."
Videos make this course engaging.
"The use of videos like a fiction tv it's been a genius touch."
"Great way to learn using different mediums (video story, video lectures with transcripts)."
Weekly themes keep this course structured.
"The course is structured well."
"It's easy and engaging!"
"This particular MOOC took it to next step by having an entire scripted criminal investigation (kind of a movie)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Psychology of Criminal Justice with these activities:
Watch a video tutorial on the criminal justice system
Watching a video tutorial on the criminal justice system will help you get a quick overview of the course material.
Browse courses on Criminal Justice System
Show steps
  • Search for a video tutorial on the criminal justice system on YouTube or another video sharing website.
  • Watch the video tutorial.
Read 'The Psychology of Crime' by Richard Wright
Reading 'The Psychology of Crime' will provide you with a deeper understanding of the psychological factors that contribute to crime.
View Shaping Worldviews: on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Psychology of Crime' by Richard Wright.
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts in the book.
Find a mentor in the criminal justice field
Finding a mentor in the criminal justice field will provide you with guidance and support as you learn about the course material.
Browse courses on Criminal Justice
Show steps
  • Attend a career fair or networking event in the criminal justice field.
  • Reach out to professionals in the criminal justice field on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.
  • Ask your friends, family, or professors if they know anyone who works in the criminal justice field.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review the criminal justice system
Reviewing the basics of the criminal justice system will help you better understand the course material.
Browse courses on Criminal Justice System
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on the criminal justice system.
  • Watch a documentary or YouTube video about the criminal justice system.
  • Take a practice quiz on the criminal justice system.
Practice identifying eyewitness errors
Practicing identifying eyewitness errors will help you better understand the limitations of eyewitness testimony.
Browse courses on Eyewitness Testimony
Show steps
  • Take an online quiz on eyewitness errors.
  • Watch a video about eyewitness errors.
  • Conduct an experiment on eyewitness memory.
Create a poster about the psychology of criminal justice
Creating a poster about the psychology of criminal justice will help you synthesize your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your poster.
  • Research your topic.
  • Design and create your poster.
Contribute to a project on criminal justice reform
Contributing to a project on criminal justice reform will allow you to apply your knowledge of the course material to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Criminal Justice Reform
Show steps
  • Find a project on criminal justice reform to contribute to.
  • Contact the project leader and offer your help.
  • Complete the tasks assigned to you.

Career center

Learners who complete The Psychology of Criminal Justice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues. They work in various settings, including prisons, law enforcement agencies, and private practice. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for forensic psychologists. It would help forensic psychologists understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for rehabilitating offenders.
Crime Analyst
Crime Analysts collect and analyze data to identify crime patterns and trends. They work with law enforcement agencies to develop crime prevention strategies. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for crime analysts. It would help crime analysts understand the factors that contribute to crime and develop effective strategies for preventing it.
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers are responsible for the safety and security of inmates in correctional facilities. They work with inmates to help them rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for correctional officers. It would help correctional officers understand the needs of inmates and develop effective strategies for managing them.
Forensic Nurse
Forensic Nurses provide medical care to victims of crime and violence. They also collect evidence and assist law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for forensic nurses. It would help forensic nurses understand the needs of victims and develop effective strategies for providing care.
Detective
Detectives investigate crimes and collect evidence to solve cases. They work with witnesses, victims, and suspects to gather information and build a case. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for detectives. It would help detectives understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for solving crimes.
Judge
Judges preside over trials and make decisions on legal matters. They must have a strong understanding of the law and the psychology of criminal justice. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for judges. It can help judges better understand the motivations of criminals and make fair and impartial decisions.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research and administrative tasks. They must have a strong understanding of the law and the psychology of criminal justice. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for paralegals. It would help paralegals better understand the needs of clients and develop effective strategies for supporting lawyers.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters and advocate for their rights. They must have a strong understanding of the law and the psychology of criminal justice. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for lawyers. It can help lawyers better understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for defending their clients.
Probation Officer
Probation Officers supervise offenders who have been released from prison or jail. They work with offenders to help them rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for probation officers. It would help probation officers understand the needs of offenders and develop effective strategies for managing them.
Police Officer
Police Officers are responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. They must have a strong understanding of the law and the psychology of criminal justice. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for police officers. It would help police officers better understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for preventing and solving crimes.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course provides a strong foundation in the psychology of criminal justice, which is essential for social workers. It would help social workers understand the needs of clients who have been involved in the criminal justice system and develop effective strategies for supporting them.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This course may be useful for teachers who want to teach about the psychology of criminal justice. It would help teachers understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for teaching about crime and justice.
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful for counselors who want to work with clients who have been involved in the criminal justice system. It would help counselors understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for supporting them.
Researcher
Researchers conduct studies to investigate a variety of topics. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private companies. This course may be useful for researchers who want to study the psychology of criminal justice. It would help researchers understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for preventing and solving crimes.
Writer
Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, and journalism. They may work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. This course may be useful for writers who want to write about the psychology of criminal justice. It would help writers understand the motivations of criminals and develop effective strategies for writing about crime and justice.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Psychology of Criminal Justice.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in criminology. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different theories that explain crime and criminal behavior.
This journal publishes original research and reviews on the intersection of psychology and law. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in criminal psychology.
This journal publishes original research and reviews on all aspects of criminal justice. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in criminal justice.
This journal publishes original research and reviews on all aspects of crime and justice. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in criminal justice.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in criminological theory. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different theories that explain crime and criminal behavior.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in forensic psychology. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different roles that psychologists play in the criminal justice system.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in criminal justice evaluation. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different methods that are used to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in criminal justice. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of the criminal justice system.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of criminal justice, covering topics such as crime causation, criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of different criminal justice interventions. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the psychological aspects of criminal justice.

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