Legal, Forensic and Criminological Psychology

Activity type

Attività formative affini o integrative

SSD

MED/43

Year

2nd year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

3

Hours distribution

36 laboratory hours

Lecturers

STEFANO FERRACUTI

Activity type

Psicologia dinamica e clinica

SSD

M-PSI/08

Year

2nd year

Semester

1st semester

CFU

6

Hours distribution

48 classroom hours

Lecturers

PAOLO ROMA

The Forensic Evaluation course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the methodologies and practices used in psychological assessments within legal and judicial contexts, both in civil and criminal realms. Through a theoretical-practical approach, the course aims to develop critical skills in interpreting forensic data, drafting assessment reports, and providing accounts following national and international guidelines.

The course objectives are as follows:

Develop case reasoning skills: The course aims to equip students with conceptual tools and necessary skills to analyze and understand complex forensic cases. Students will learn to critically evaluate evidence and formulate hypotheses based on an objective assessment of facts.
Deepen diagnostic aspects: The course intends to provide students with a thorough understanding of different diagnostic methodologies used in forensic expertise and evaluation. Students will gain skills in clinical assessment, learning to collect and analyze relevant information, evaluate the cognitive and psychological capacities of subjects involved in forensic cases, and formulate conclusions based on a comprehensive and reliable evaluation.
Promote evidence-based practice: The course will emphasize the importance of forensic practice based on scientific evidence. Students will learn to use reliable and valid evidence sources, conduct relevant research, and base their conclusions on solid empirical data. They will be encouraged to maintain a critical and scientific approach in forensic decision-making.
The ultimate goal of the Forensic Expertise and Evaluation Methodology lab course is to prepare students to conduct rigorous, accurate, and reliable forensic evaluations based on case reasoning, diagnostic aspects, and clinical assessment.

Knowledge and understanding
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to understand and critically use fundamental theories, techniques, and forensic consulting procedures in both civil and criminal contexts. They will also be able to place these skills within the contemporary scientific context. The student will acquire the ability to judiciously use scientific articles and guidelines of national and international relevance.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will have the skills to effectively use the theoretical and methodological knowledge learned to identify appropriate solutions to complex practical problems. This will include the ability to adopt recognized intervention techniques and procedures and methodology in both civil and criminal contexts, both scientifically and in work practice.

Judgment autonomy
Upon completion of the course, the student will have gained the ability to collect and analyze relevant information to develop scientific and practical evaluations and hypotheses related to the topics covered, operating independently.

Communication skills
Students will develop effective communication skills to present their assessments and conclusions clearly and comprehensibly. They will be encouraged to express their opinions objectively and professionally, using appropriate technical terminology and adapting their language to the different parties involved in the forensic process.

Learning skills
At the completion of the course, the student will have the ability to use the skills acquired independently and advancedly to successfully address complex themes that will be the subject of future research.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
The aims of the course are as follows:

Develop case reasoning skills: The course aims to provide students with the conceptual tools and necessary skills to analyze and understand complex forensic cases. Students will learn to critically evaluate evidence and formulate hypotheses based on an objective assessment of the facts.

Deepen diagnostic aspects: The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the various diagnostic methodologies used in forensic expertise and evaluation. Students will acquire skills in clinical assessment, learning to gather and analyze relevant information, evaluate the cognitive and psychological abilities of individuals involved in forensic cases, and formulate conclusions based on a comprehensive and reliable assessment.

Promote evidence-based practice: The course will emphasize the importance of evidence-based forensic practice. Students will learn to use reliable and valid sources of evidence, conduct relevant research, and base their conclusions on solid empirical data. They will be encouraged to maintain a critical and scientific approach in forensic decision-making processes.

Foster effective communication: Students will develop effective communication skills to present their assessments and conclusions clearly and comprehensibly. They will be encouraged to express their opinions objectively and professionally, using appropriate technical terminology, and adapting their language to the different parties involved in the forensic process.

The ultimate goal of the Forensic Methodology and Evaluation Laboratory course is to prepare students to conduct rigorous, accurate, and reliable forensic evaluations based on case reasoning, diagnostic aspects, and clinical assessment.


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
Students should be familiar with psychopathological models related to deviance, consequent psychopathologies, and the particularities of assment in forensic settings.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts

No specific prerequisites are required. Basic clinical knowledge and the classification and diagnosis of mental illnesses are necessary. Knowledge of the Civil Code and the Penal Code regarding relevant articles concerning individuals is required.


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
Knowledge of theoretical and research approaches related to psychopathology is required. Prerequisite is, in addition, understanding theories and techniques concerning the development of psychological tests. Familiarity with the basics of research methodology in psychology is, finally, strongly advised.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
Expert evalutation in civil and penal law
Methodology in civil and penal law
Main expert evalutation cases: child custody, damage compensation, civil problems, selective incapacitation, insanity defence, social dangerousness, capacity to stand trial, fraud in special cases


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
The course aims to provide the student with basic knowledge and skills related to clinical psychology applied to the specifics of the forensic context.
In particular, the theoretical models underlying deviant behavior and their implications with respect to healthy to pathological personality will be covered.
Specifically, the topics covered will be:
- Expert assessment
- Status
- Personality (continuum from normal to pathological)
- Stress and adjustment disorders
- Deviance and conduct disorders
- Behavioral addictions
- Prevention and treatment interventions
- Assessment of the adolescent perpetrator and victim
- The problem of simulation and dissimulation
- Critical thinking and judgment and consent skills
- Fundamentals of interpreting the MMPI-2 test

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
N/D
Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
Hooley, J.M., Butcher, J.N., Nock, C.K., Mineka, S. (2017). Psicopatologia e Psicologia Clinica. Edizione Italiana a cura di Giulia Buodo, Claudio Gentili, Marta Ghisi, Antonio Prunas, Carlo Pruneti. Pearson, Milano-Torino

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
N/D
Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
N/D

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
Here are some typical methods of conducting the course:

In-class practical exercises: During the lessons, students will participate in practical exercises aimed at applying the acquired theoretical knowledge. These exercises may include case studies, simulations, analysis of real-life situations, or specific exercises related to the course topic. Students will be encouraged to solve problems, apply theoretical concepts, and develop practical skills under the supervision of the instructor.

Group discussions: Moments of discussion among students will be organized to facilitate the exchange of ideas, comparison of viewpoints, and in-depth exploration of the content. These discussions can take place in small groups or in the entire class, and students will be encouraged to express their opinions, ask questions, and provide explanations and arguments to support their ideas.

Group work: Student groups may be assigned a task to be completed together, such as a research project, analysis of a forensic case, or solving a complex problem. This type of activity encourages collaboration among students, task division, discussion, and the search for collective solutions.

Guest speakers: Lectures with external guests, such as industry experts or professionals in the forensic field, may be organized. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to listen to different perspectives, ask questions, and delve into specific topics through the sharing of practical experiences and real cases.


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
The Course includes lectures useful for introducing the basic concepts of some psychopathological disorders. In addition, the Course includes frontal lectures useful for introducing preliminary concepts related to the MMPI-2, supplemented with hands-on exercises.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts

Attendance is mandatory and will be documented through a signature collection.


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
Lessons will be in-person.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
During the exam session, students will be presented with a legal-forensic case that they will have to discuss and comment on based on the information learned during the course.


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
Multiple choice questions with one correct alternative and/or open questions.
Questions will be offered through online platform.
Computer device is required to take the test.

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
Caio, 54 years old, has been diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder for over 20 years. He is divorced and has two children. On several occasions, he has discontinued his therapy, leading to relapses characterized by manic phases that have resulted in hospitalizations, often under involuntary treatment (TSO), lasting for several months. Despite having a disability, he has managed to maintain employment. In a recent episode of excitement, he had an altercation with the police and assaulted the officers. In the legal proceedings, he was deemed not criminally responsible. Currently, he is compliant with his treatment, has good adherence, and is euthymic (no mood disturbances).
1. Define social dangerousness in a psychiatric sense.
2. How would you assess Caio's social dangerousness? What factors would you take into consideration? What security measure could be hypothetically considered in his case?


Module: Methods of forensic evaluation
“Individuals with these disorders often appear eccentric or strange, with unusual behaviors ranging from distrust and suspiciousness to social isolation” is a description of what cluster of personality disorders?
- a
- b
- c

Module: Clinical psychology in the forensic contexts
N/D
Module: Methods of forensic evaluation

• • Books: Hooley, J.M., Butcher, J.N., Nock, C.K., Mineka, S. (2017). Psicopatologia e Psicologia Clinica. Edizione Italiana a cura di Giulia Buodo, Claudio Gentili, Marta Ghisi, Antonio Prunas, Carlo Pruneti. Pearson, Milano-Torino [Capitoli: 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 12]


• • Books: Abate L. Roma P (2014). MMPI-2. Raffaello Cortina