Skip to main content
Unit of study_

LAWS5220: Psychology and Law

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Law, at its heart, is a human endeavour. It is deeply impacted by the way in which people think, feel and behave. Accordingly, Psychology is an important framework for understanding most legal issues. In particular, psychology illuminates: the conflicts that have inspired legal doctrines, the characteristics of those who create and administer the law, and the challenges that occur when a particular legal system is imposed on individuals. This connection was recently highlighted when Richard Thaler won the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in psychology and law. We will explore the study and practice of law through the lens of empirically-tested psychological theories. The course begins with an examination of the three major groups involved in a legal action: the parties to the actions, the judges, and the jury. These topics provide a firm theoretical understanding of classic psychological processes (i.e., attitudinal biases, decision-making, and social cognition) as applied to legal concepts. The course builds on this theoretical framework to explore specific areas of law, including sentencing and evidence. We end on a practical slant, studying two topics that will most likely be important to students - how to employ the psychology of persuasion in advocacy work, and how to use the science of well- being to build a healthy and sustainable law practice.

Unit details and rules

Unit code LAWS5220
Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
LAWS3520
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jason Chin, jason.chin@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jason Chin, jason.chin@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Final research paper
Any topic covered in the unit, or other relevant topic approved in advance
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 07 Jun 2021 at 14:00

Closing date: 07 Jul 2022
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Final research essay outline
Outline of topic for final research essay for approval by unit coordinator
0% Week 10
Due date: 02 May 2022 at 17:00
250 words/10 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Response papers
Weekly response papers
50% Weekly 10 x 300-400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Response papers (10 of them, 5% each) = 50%

They can be: any thoughts inspired by the lecture and readings, discussion questions, critiques of the material, extensions of the material, ideas for follow-up work, and so on. Feel free to take inspiration from your own experiences, any issues or legal doctrines you are aware of, other research you aware of, current events, and so on.

You are not expected to do any additional research for these response papers. Please provide at least 300 words and no more than 400.

Response papers are due each week of teaching in which there are readings prescribed (refer to learning activities schedule). They are due 24 hours before the class they correspond to (so the convenor can read them in advance of the class and select some for jumping off points to discussion). Papers are to be submitted through Canvas.

The outcome of a successful application for Special Consideration will be an extension where this is submitted on the day of the relevant class. Where the application is submitted after the relevant class, the outcome may be an alternative assessment, to be determined by the unit coordinator.

Final research essay outline (0%):  Prior to commencing work on your final research essay, you should submit an Outline of 250 words by 5pm on 2 May, 2022, detailing your topic and providing a brief outline, for prior approval.

Final research essay (50%) 

This is your chance to explore a psychology and law topic in greater depth. 

In consultation with the convenor, you may choose any topic covered in the unit of study, or other relevant topic. All topics must be approved by the convenor by the beginning of Week 10 by 5pm on 2 May, 2022

The word count for the final research essay (3,000 words) does not include footnote references, but does include substantive footnotes.  The final research essay is due by 2pm on 7 June, 2022.

You will be marked on the following criteria:

· Demonstrates understanding of fundamental concepts in psychology;

· Applies psychological theories and findings to legal issues, doctrines and rules;

· Develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides strong justification;

· Communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently;

· Shows originality in generating arguments and reasons

The outcome of a successful Special Consideration application, submitted prior to the closing date, will be an extension. The outcome of a successful Special Consideration application, submitted after the closing date, will be an alternative assessment (a new topic).

Assessment criteria

High distinction

85 - 100

• Completely answers the question.
• Contains striking originality of approach or analysis.
• Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research
required).
• Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed.
• Is otherwise exceptional in some way.

Distinction

75 - 84

• Completely answers the question.
• Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues.
• Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument.
• Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented
argument.
• Generally well expressed and free from errors.
• Has a clear structure and is well articulated.

Credit

65 - 74

• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question.
• Contains no significant errors
• Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues.
• Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues.
• Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.

Pass

50 - 64

• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument.
• Contains some significant errors.
• Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues.
• Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question.
• Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase.
• Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis.
• Adequate expression.
• Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and
satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject
area.

Fail

0 - 49

• Does not answer the question.
• Contains significant or numerous errors.
• Few or no identifiable arguments.
• Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant.
• Lack of research or analysis.
• Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or
structure.
• Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the
assessment.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, which has not been granted an extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to psychology and law Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 02 Psychology research methods and the credibility of psychology Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 03 Psychology in civil cases Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 04 The psychology of judges and juries Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 05 Wrongful conviction series, Eyewitness Memory Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 06 Wrongful conviction series, Interviewing and confessions Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 07 Wrongful conviction series, Science Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 09 Neurolaw and punishment Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 10 Final paper workshopping and brainstorm session Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 11 The subjective well-being of lawyers Seminar (4 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 12 Emerging issues and review Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes (or as otherwise specified by the Unit Coordinator) to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Attendance requirements may be satisfied by in-person or online attendance as per the delivery mode of the unit. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from sitting the final assessment.

Word count penalty: The word count for the final research essay (3,000) does not include footnote references, but does include substantive footnotes. 

As per Law School guidelines, a piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude bibliography; footnote numbers; footnote citation; cover page and include body text; headings and sub-headings; quotations; anything other than numbers and citations in footnotes.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at https://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476376

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Prescribed readings are listed in the Reading Guide document on Canvas. Students should access these readings thenselves in order to gain practice in their research skills.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Identify and understand various cognitive, social, and affective processes that impact the legal system.
  • LO2. Identify both longstanding and emerging legal issues, and analyze their psychological basis.
  • LO3. Consider and analyze the cognitive processes and heuristics involved in effective advocacy and persuasion.
  • LO4. Identify and analyze the emotional and affective mechanisms that form the basis of a healthy and successful legal practice.
  • LO5. Conduct and complete an effective novel research project in the field of psychology and law.
  • LO6. Engage with other students and teacher to discuss the application of psychology to legal issues and problems.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment structure was very popular in the unit of study survey evaluations in 2021, and so that has been retained. Some students commented that they would be interested in the psychology of IP law, so that topic has been added.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.