Power and Privilege in the Criminal Justice System

This course looks at a variety of intersections between psychology and the American criminal legal system, with a particular eye on issues related to power and privilege.

Students are introduced to the stages and processes of the criminal legal system and explore the psychosocial risk factors that contribute to engagement in juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.

The differential treatment of individuals at the various stages of criminal justice involvement is discussed and pertinent case examples are explored through a social-cognitive lens.

Students review key pieces of literature in the fields of juvenile justice, risk assessment, hate crime, law enforcement practices, and coercion of false confessions.