Forensic psychology serves as the overlap between the forensic system (legal) and psychological system (study of thoughts and behaviors). Within the legal system, there are two distinct sectors (criminal and civil). This course will focus specifically on the criminal sector as we look into the multifaceted explanations of why individuals take part in criminal acts, and in some ways why individuals may be more likely to be victims of those acts. Students will examine the leading theories utilized to understand and explain criminal behaviors. These theories range in their explanation of factors leading to criminal behaviors. Each presents its own explanation in ways that may make sense when understanding some crimes but appear to have little applicability when describing others.
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