Lecture One AWS
Lecture One Monday, 17 July 2017
1:19 PM
Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Overview of the Justice Systems Unit Overview • The Unit has an applied focus – we will inform you of issues relevant to working with different forensic populations. • We will focus on the theory and research in the core areas of Forensic Psychology: sexual violence, family violence, alcohol and drug issues, cross-cultural and Indigenous issues.
Assessment Oral Narrated Presentation - worth 20% • Students will be provided with a case study • Required to submit a 10-minute Narrated Presentation that outlines the central process (practice) issues and offers treatment recommendations. • Due: 11 August 2017 by 5pm Report - worth 35% • Provided with another case-study • Required to submit a 1500 word Written Report that outlines the central process (practice) issues and offers treatment recommendations. • Due: 15 September 2017 by 5pm Exam - worth 45% • 45 multiple choice questions • 1.5 hours (plus reading time) What do Forensic Psychologists Do? • Consult with all facets of the justice system • Provide expert psychological evidence • Develop and deliver clinical services to forensic clients • Research Australian Legal System Sources of Law • 8 jurisdictions plus a Federal system • State laws include criminal laws • Commonwealth Laws cover: taxation, bankruptcy, copyrights; marriage, divorce, disability and HPS206 Page 1
• Commonwealth Laws cover: taxation, bankruptcy, copyrights; marriage, divorce, disability and old age pensions etc. • Statutory Law: Enacted by legislature • Common Law: Precedent cases Court Hierarchy
Tribunals State tribunals cover both administrative and civil matters: • Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal • Civil tribunals can exercise judicial power Magistrates Court • More than 90% of criminal trials take place before magistrates • Traffic offences, offences against public order & safety, public health offences Specialist Courts • Operate under jurisdiction of Magistrates Courts • Indigenous Courts • Drug Courts (NSW, Qld, SA, Victoria, WA) - Divert illicit drug users from incarceration into treatment programs for addiction • Youth Courts District Court • People could appeal a magistrate’s decision in District court (known as County court in Victoria) • Prosecution must prove guilt. • Around 70% plead guilty. Supreme Court • Deals with the most serious criminal and civil offences Appeal Court • Deals with Civil and Criminal Appeals Federal Court • Deals with civil and criminal matters arising under Australian Federal law (e.g., drug importation) • Includes jurisdiction for native title applications Full Federal Court • Appeals to from the Federal Court Family Court Parenting cases: • child welfare agency, • child sexual abuse or serious physical abuse of a child, • international child abduction under the Hague Convention, • special medical procedures. • Financial cases related to families. HPS206 Page 2
• Financial cases related to families. Full Family Court • Appeals from the Family Court
Other Agencies involved in the Justice System • Corrections Victoria (prison system) • Youth Justice • Family violence practitioners • Police • Community legal centres • Health officials • Immigration • High Commission of different countries
HPS206 Page 3
1:19 PM
Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Overview of the Justice Systems Unit Overview • The Unit has an applied focus – we will inform you of issues relevant to working with different forensic populations. • We will focus on the theory and research in the core areas of Forensic Psychology: sexual violence, family violence, alcohol and drug issues, cross-cultural and Indigenous issues.
Assessment Oral Narrated Presentation - worth 20% • Students will be provided with a case study • Required to submit a 10-minute Narrated Presentation that outlines the central process (practice) issues and offers treatment recommendations. • Due: 11 August 2017 by 5pm Report - worth 35% • Provided with another case-study • Required to submit a 1500 word Written Report that outlines the central process (practice) issues and offers treatment recommendations. • Due: 15 September 2017 by 5pm Exam - worth 45% • 45 multiple choice questions • 1.5 hours (plus reading time) What do Forensic Psychologists Do? • Consult with all facets of the justice system • Provide expert psychological evidence • Develop and deliver clinical services to forensic clients • Research Australian Legal System Sources of Law • 8 jurisdictions plus a Federal system • State laws include criminal laws • Commonwealth Laws cover: taxation, bankruptcy, copyrights; marriage, divorce, disability and HPS206 Page 1
• Commonwealth Laws cover: taxation, bankruptcy, copyrights; marriage, divorce, disability and old age pensions etc. • Statutory Law: Enacted by legislature • Common Law: Precedent cases Court Hierarchy
Tribunals State tribunals cover both administrative and civil matters: • Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal • Civil tribunals can exercise judicial power Magistrates Court • More than 90% of criminal trials take place before magistrates • Traffic offences, offences against public order & safety, public health offences Specialist Courts • Operate under jurisdiction of Magistrates Courts • Indigenous Courts • Drug Courts (NSW, Qld, SA, Victoria, WA) - Divert illicit drug users from incarceration into treatment programs for addiction • Youth Courts District Court • People could appeal a magistrate’s decision in District court (known as County court in Victoria) • Prosecution must prove guilt. • Around 70% plead guilty. Supreme Court • Deals with the most serious criminal and civil offences Appeal Court • Deals with Civil and Criminal Appeals Federal Court • Deals with civil and criminal matters arising under Australian Federal law (e.g., drug importation) • Includes jurisdiction for native title applications Full Federal Court • Appeals to from the Federal Court Family Court Parenting cases: • child welfare agency, • child sexual abuse or serious physical abuse of a child, • international child abduction under the Hague Convention, • special medical procedures. • Financial cases related to families. HPS206 Page 2
• Financial cases related to families. Full Family Court • Appeals from the Family Court
Other Agencies involved in the Justice System • Corrections Victoria (prison system) • Youth Justice • Family violence practitioners • Police • Community legal centres • Health officials • Immigration • High Commission of different countries
HPS206 Page 3
