Law & Psychology

Overview

This module provides students with an introduction to the role of psychology within the law and in the operation of legal systems. It aims to explore both the presence of psychological concepts within the substance of the law and the ways in which a range of legal skills is imbued with processes and dynamics that have psychological underpinnings. Group work and problem-based learning (PBL) approaches will form an integral part of the module.

The module will begin with an examination of skills development within a group context, including (but not limited to): individual learning styles, formation of group identity, legal research, individual roles within groups, conflict resolution and communication (oral and written). There will be discussion of psychological and organisational theories throughout.

In the second part of the module, the focus will be on areas of the law where psychological factors (including emotion, group behaviour, mental capacity) play a role, for example in criminal law, property law and obligations. There will also be an examination of decision-making processes within the justice system (e.g. juries), lie detection, eyewitness testimony and the role of the forensic psychologist.

The final part of the module will explore a mixed-subject PBL scenario, in which students identify key legal issues and conduct research into both substantive and normative areas of law, including the relevant psychological components. There will be opportunities for students to engage in presentations within class, based on group work.

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the role of psychological concepts and processes within the law and in the operation of legal systems.

Apply this knowledge to problem scenarios and consider how this sits within various theoretical perspectives across disciplines.

Analyse data from a range of sources including legal, psychological and interdisciplinary studies.

Synthesise information from interdisciplinary studies and evaluate the extent to which psychological concepts and processes are pervasive within the law.

Reflect actively on learning throughout the module, drawing upon experiences of individual and collaborative work.

Engage in group work / problem-based learning (PBL) and apply psychological and organisational theories to their experience of this.

Skills

By the end of the module the learner will be able to:

Develop group work capabilities in order to maximise output in terms of knowledge, analysis and synthesis of information.

Enhance the above capabilities by exploring sources and problem scenarios, drawing from a range of core legal topics, including those with psychological components.

Appreciate areas of overlap between law and psychology, and evaluate the role of emotional intelligence within the operation of the law.

Apply group work skills in PBL scenarios, focusing on the analysis of key information and identification of topics for further examination.

Expand upon existing skills around self-directed and collaborative learning.

Think critically and creatively about the material encountered within the module, within an interdisciplinary framework.

Develop conflict-resolution skills within a group work environment.

Further develop their writing skills in the formal assessments.

Enhance oral presentation skills in class and within group work settings.

Develop and consolidate a range of transferable legal skills in preparation for further legal education (for example SQE2, LPC, study at IPLS) or other employment routes.

Assessment

Assessment for this module will take the form of two assignments, which together constitute 100% of the module mark. Participation in group work activities.