Testimony and Ethics

This subject is not offered in 2012.

None

None

Criminology at Undergraduate level

191-508 Testimony and Ethics

191-508 The Expert in Court: Ethics and Practice

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

• 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.

Written work of 5000 words (100%) due at the end of semester.

Assessment that is submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• achieve a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.