Psychology of the Courtroom

Description

This course will provide an insight into understanding the psychological perspective of crime scene. When an individual commits an illegal activity, she/ he is subsequently charged with the crime. In any illegal activity there are often three individuals involved: perpetrator, victim and eyewitness. Once illegal offence is registered the justice system gets involved which comprises of police, advocates and judges in Indian context. This course shall focus on (i) the psychological research of witness and (ii) psychological research on the justice system. The course would cover the different factors categorised in the psychological research such as estimator variables, system variables and post-diction variables and how they affect accuracy of witness, confidence of witness and judgement of justice system. Broad introduction to psychological theories and research concerned with accuracy of witness memory and making sense of the eyewitness memory process of acquisition (exposure duration to event), retention and retrieval of information will be discussed in relation to the factors. Further the course would dwell into eyewitness decision making process and relevant theories, psychological research on line-up presentation and identification accuracy of perpetrator. Students shall learn about the different factors that affect the accuracy of eyewitness and how eyewitness confidence affects judge’s decision making. Course Aims: 1. To understand the basic concepts and psychological framework involved in courtroom. 2. To introduce specific psychological theories and factors that are relevant to eyewitness testimony and decision making in courtroom. 3. Critically appraise the role of different factors that are naturally occurring at crime scene and how they affect the human information processing. 4. To develop sensitivity, awareness and critical thinking towards understanding of the courtroom procedures. Course