PSY 371 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, Nomothetic
9 Mar 2016
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May be difficult for psychology to find its way into law as it is deemed. Legal system that is based on having a choice and choosing wrong. For example - under certain age, people cannot form intent. Infancy and younger age, mental disease or defect, etc. Law more interested in individual as unit of analysis. Psychology is interested in groups as units of analysis. Behavior of participants in the legal system. How much do you take into account the individual"s circumstances vs. using the same punishment, sentence for the crime all around. To avoid trials with judges or juries. Vast majority are made via these mechanisms. 5 roles in which psychologists play in the legal system. Interested in legal concepts, how people"s behavior in relation to law. Look at changes in a legal policy and gage the impact of that. Evaluate individuals of if they have met capacity or motivation in a given case.
