Lahore School of Behavioural Sciences
The University of Lahore
Course Outline
Course: Forensic Psychology Instructor: Dr. Nazish Idrees
Chaudhary
Course Code: PSYEL7646 Course Credit Hrs.: 3
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the interface of psychology and the legal and
criminal justice systems with a specific focus on forensic psychology. Students will be
introduced to the roles and responsibilities of a forensic psychologist and would learn
theories of offending, punishment, eyewitness memory, mental health assessments, expert
evidence, jury decision making, offender treatment, and correctional psychology. They will
learn to apply principles of clinical/ counseling psychology for the understanding of the
causes of crime and related factors; treatment and rehabilitation of the victims and
perpetrators in forensic settings.
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are to:
a. Understand the role of forensic psychologist and how psychology is integrated into
various aspects of the legal system, including criminal investigations, court
proceedings, and correctional settings.
b. Analyse ethical guidelines of forensic psychologists’ encounter, including issues
related to confidentiality, informed consent, and the role of the expert witness.
c. Comprehend theories regarding criminal behaviours.
d. Perform psychological autopsies and criminal profiling.
e. Learn to assess offenders and perform risk assessment for recidivism.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
To apply psychological principles to critically analyse and evaluate legal cases,
providing insights into the behaviour and mental state of individuals involved.
To possess the skills to conduct various forensic assessments, including evaluations
of criminal responsibility, risk assessments, and competency to stand trial evaluations.
To demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal challenges that arise in
forensic psychology practice, and they will be able to make ethically sound decisions
in complex situations.
To develop and implement interventions tailored to the unique needs of
individuals in forensic settings, contributing to rehabilitation, victim support, and the
overall functioning of the legal system.
To describe the types of forensic evaluations conducted in criminal and civil cases.
Weekly Schedule:
Week No: Topics to be covered
1 Forensic Psychology: Introduction and Overview
-What is Forensic Psychology?
-Forensic Psychologists: Roles and responsibilities
- Forensic and society -Guidelines and ethics for forensic psychologists
2 Types of forensics and associated psychology of victims
Criminal forensic
3 Types of forensics and associated psychology of victims (cont.)
Child/juvenile
Civil forensics
4 Theories of Forensics
Assignment 1
5 Theories of Forensics (Cont.)
Quiz 1
6 Psychopathy and Crime
7 Mental disorders and Crime
Quiz 2
A midterm will be arranged during the 8th week
9 Introduction to Interrogative interviews and Eye-Witness Testimony
10 Criminal Profiling; Assignment 2
11 Assessment in Forensic Psychology; Quiz 3
12 Risk Assessment
13 Crime and culture + Ethics
14 Psychotherapy in Forensic Setting
15 Class Presentation
Final Term
Suggested Material
Khader, M. (2019). Crime and behaviour: An introduction to criminal and forensic
psychology. World Scientific.
Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to forensic and Criminal Psychology. Pearson
Education Limited.
Evans III, B., & Hass, G. A. (2018). Forensic psychological assessment in
immigration court: A guidebook for evidence-based and ethical practice. Routledge.
Gavin, H. (2018). Criminological and Forensic Psychology. Sage.
