Psychology of the Courtroom

Description

This course will provide an insight into understanding the psychological perspective of the courtroom. In a courtroom, there are judges, advocates, jury or an expert panel in select few criminal cases. The verdict in all criminal cases is heavily reliant on judge’s decision making abilities. his, in turn, may be influenced by arguments from the litigating lawyers, eyewitness testimony, and comments from the arbitration panel; however, the lawyers are reported to generally hold maximal influence. This chapter will outline the various factors that influence the judges’ decision-making process. We will discuss at length on psychological concepts such as short-term memory, schemas, language, emotions, persuasion, and their role in courtroom. In discussing various examples of the effective courtroom statements derived from international and Indian trials, we will also outline the various ways in which lawyers can successfully persuade a judge in the courtroom. 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 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