LAW 6013 :
Social Science Applied to Law

This course explores the interplay and conflict between law and social science evidence. Its purpose is to understand the many ways in which psychological research can or should have an influence on legal decision making. The course pays particular attention to how the Supreme Court uses, abuses, misuses, or neglects social science data. Topics include such traditional ones as school desegregation, eyewitness identification, and the operation of juries. Topics also include such nontraditional ones as obscenity and children's rights. Grades will be determined on the basis of class participation and a paper of moderate length.