CRMJ 471 - Psychology of Crime

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the role of psychology in contributing to our understanding of criminal behavior and criminal justice system processes. The course will review our current understanding of the criminal mind and the psychological explanations associated with the commission of violent crime, homicide, sexual assault, multiple murder, terrorism, property crime, and substance abuse. The course takes a close look at developmental risk factors and the biological origins of criminal behavior. Toward the end of the semester, the course discusses the use of psychological principles in police interrogations, the court process, and correctional psychology.