The Expert in Court: Ethics & Practice

Subject 191-508 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 6.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate certificate/ diploma or fourth-year honours in criminology, socio-legal studies or sociology, Master of Criminology, Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mr Simon Justin Brown-Greaves

Contact

Simon Brown-Greaves

Subject Overview: A consideration of professional requirements and the issues arising for practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds working in the criminal justice system. These include legal matters concerning expert testimony in court, such as admissibility of expert evidence, the ultimate issue rule, the use of psychological syndrome evidence in criminal trials, how the criminal law takes into account mental impairment and when and why different groups of professional may be called to give evidence in criminal courts. Consideration is given to the various areas within which professionals work in the criminal justice system, particularly in presentation of expert evidence and preparation of reports for the courts, tribunals and parole boards. Theoretical discussion includes matters arising in capacity to provide consent and right to treatment. Extensive coverage is given to ethical issues and problems that relate to the particular context of forensic practice for different professional groups.
Objectives:
  • be aware of the various tasks required of psychologists in forensic practice;
  • understand key practical and ethical issues arising in different areas of forensic practice;
  • understand how the law applies to the exercise of forensic psychologists' duties;
  • have gained practical experience in presenting evidence in legal settings.
Assessment: Written work of 5000 words 100% (submitted at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • achieve a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.
Notes: Formerly available as 191-508. Students who have completed 191-508 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Ethics
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Ethics

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