Children in the Legal System
This seminar will provide an in-depth study from the psychological issues around children's participation in the legal system. We will discuss the historical role of children in court, the legality of using protective measures such as closed-circuit TV with child witnesses, the accuracy and suggestibility of children's reports, techniques to improve children's recall and testimony, custody issues in divorce cases and special concerns of juvenile offenders. Readings consist of book chapters, empirical articles, as well as amicus briefs and Supreme Court cases relevant to child witnesses. (Open to junior and senior psychology and neuroscience majors only; others by permission) 3 hrs. sem.