Legal, Forensic and Criminological Psychology

Educational objectives

The course aims at developing the specific theoretical knowledge and the professional skills needed to understand and assess the psychological mechanisms underlying judgments, choices, and decision errors, especially with regards to the legal system and the legal and forensic clinical assessment, where the relevance of such topics is increasingly recognized. The lectures will be aimed at analyzing the multiple theoretical models for judgment and decision-making, as well as their experimental bases, and at discussing the effective countermeasures to decrease the impact of decision errors. The main topics will focus on the main theoretical models and methods; the normative perspective (history, models, and limitations); the psychological models; the heuristics and biases; the role of context, tasks, and information; the role of judgment and decision-making within the legal system and the clinical assessment.
The laboratory will deal with decision-making at the organizational level through strategic analysis and project management.

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course students will possess a sound critical knowledge and understanding of the main theories and methods of investigation of judgment and decision-making. They will also be able to frame this knowledge within the current scientific perspectives. Finally, they will use effectively and critically the scientific papers published on international journals.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply their knowledge, both theoretical and methodological, for devising plausible solutions to complex applied issues involving both decision-making processes and legal issues, through appropriate techniques and methods.

Making judgements
The students will be able to collect and interpret relevant information on decision-making with the aim to form evaluations and scientific hypotheses, also taking into considerations their social, and ethical implications.

Communication skills
The students will be able to communicate information, ideas, solutions, as well as their personal critical opinions and the logical processes that led to formulate those opinions, to both specialists and lay people.

Learning skills
The students will be able to apply their competence on the topics addressed during the course to further levels of study requiring a high level of autonomy.

Educational objectives

The course aims to offer the specific theoretical knowledge and professional skills necessary to work with victims.
Models of intervention, prevention and support will be examined. The aim is to provide practical skills for the drafting and implementation of prevention projects, for the execution of programs to assist the investigation, for psychological first aid in support of victims in general and vulnerable victims in particular (minors, women, elderly, minorities, carriers, and disadvantaged people).

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will have to critically master the main theories and methods to build models of prevention effective intervention programs for victims, framing this knowledge within the current scientific landscape. The student will have learned to make critical use of scientific articles and guidelines published at national and international level.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to apply in a competent way the knowledge acquired, both theoretical and methodological, to identify possible solutions to complex application problems, which involve the use of intervention techniques consolidated in the scientific and practical panorama.

Autonomy of judgement
The student will be able to assume and interpret information useful to formulate scientific evaluations and hypotheses concerning the topics of the course in an autonomous way, also taking into account their social and ethical implications.

Communication skills
The student will be able to communicate the contents of the course, their critical elaborations, and the logical processes that have led to them, to expert and non-expert interlocutors.

Learning skills
The student will be able to apply with a high degree of autonomy the acquired skills to the thematic in-depth studies that will be the subject of subsequent studies.
VITTIMOLOGIA LABORATORIO

General training objectives lab
The objective of the Laboratory of Victimology is to provide the space to acquire application and technical skills regarding prevention and intervention plans. In particular, it will provide the tools to build effective prevention projects and programs for investigative aid and psychological support and first aid interventions in the field of victimology.

Specific training objectives

Communication skills
Acquisition of the necessary skills to act in an interdisciplinary way, also taking into account the variety of interlocutors from the forensic and healthcare world as well as Non-Governmental Organizations.

Learning skills
Know how to learn from the cases illustrated, deduce according to logical principles, apply practical techniques, build models of prevention and intervention evaluating their effectiveness and impact.

Knowledge and understanding
To develop useful knowledge and the ability to understand and assess individual situations from a diagnostic point of view to guide intervention and support plans.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Understand how to carry out interviews with victims, listening techniques, help with investigations, psychological first aid techniques.

Autonomy of judgment
The student will understand how to critically evaluate the data in their possession in connection with the situations under examination. Know how to critically read the clinical and legal documentation available to him/her. Frame the data obtained within the specific problem under examination.

Educational objectives

The course will provide students with a set of up-to-date knowledge on memory processes and forgetting. The course aims at providing an overview of current issues regarding memory. A focus will be placed on eyewitness testimony according to age (children, adults and the elderly). In laboratory sessions practical aspects related to eyewitness testimony will be examined.
Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the course students will have acquired a sound knowledge on learning theories and memory models, on tests and techniques commonly adopted in this area and on the conceptual and methodological issues involved in applying this knowledge to real-life forensic situations.
Applying knowledge and understanding: By the end of the course students will have developed the necessary skills in order to critically assess the relevant scientific literature and the adequacy of empirical research on memory in the legal system.
Communication skills: Course activities in which students will be divided into small work groups and will then orally present the work carried out on specific topics will crucially contribute to the development of communication skills.
Learning skills: Students will develop the ability to acquire autonomously up-to-date knowledge on specific topics of interest. They will understand the most effective ways to master scientific literature using online library (such as Scopus) and develop the ability to efficaciously critically analyze up-to-date scientific papers.

Educational objectives

General aims
The course will provide students with an up-to-date knowledge of the study of emotions, stress and memory processes in relation to the experience of aversive events. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationships between emotions, stress and memory for aversive and traumatic events. The analysis of the cognitive and behavioural consequences of aversive and traumatic experiences at different stages of the life span will also be explored in depth, with particular attention to those aspects most relevant to the legal-forensic and criminological contexts.

Specific aims
Knowledge and understanding.
By the end of the course the student will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the complex interactions between environmental events, emotions, stress and memory and their modulation by individual characteristics. The knowledge acquired will also promote a clear understanding of the effects of the above interactions in the context of behaviours of relevance in the legal-forensic field.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will have acquired skills that will enable them to deal, both in research contexts and in the workplace, with issues that are characterised by interdisciplinary elements, ranging from genetic background to disorders that have repercussions on social behaviour, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The professional and research fields in which the knowledge acquired during the course can be applied range from health protection and work to the legal-forensic context.

Autonomy of judgement.
The structure and content of the course are also designed to promote autonomy of judgement. The course provides an interdisciplinary body of knowledge that the student will progressively view from an integrated perspective. For example, the theme of the interaction between psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry and genetics in legal and forensic activities illustrates the ethical reflection that current scientific knowledge entails and that the student will address in the course. The writing of papers and the preparation of presentations on specific topics will also contribute to this.

Communication skills
Activities involving the oral and/or written presentation of work on specific topics in the literature of the discipline will also make an important contribution to the development of communication skills.

Learning skills.
The student will be guided to develop the ability to independently acquire knowledge on topics of interest by learning the most effective ways of mastering the scientific literature of interest through the use of "online libraries" (e.g. Pub-Med or Scopus) and developing the ability to effectively cope with reading up-to-date scientific material in English.

Lab

General objectives
The laboratory activities will integrate the knowledge acquired in the theoretical lectures on the study of emotions, stress and memory processes related to the experience of aversive events with practical activities and an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature. The knowledge of the relationships between emotions, stress and the memory of aversive and traumatic events, as well as their application in professional contexts, will be further deepened thanks to the theoretical and practical activities foreseen in the hours dedicated to the laboratory.

Specific objectives
Knowledge and understanding.
The laboratory activities will deepen and enrich the students' knowledge of the complex interactions between environmental events, emotions, stress and memory, and their modulation by individual characteristics, from a practical perspective. The laboratory activities will enhance understanding of the impact of the above interactions in the context of behaviours of relevance in the legal-forensic field.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the laboratory activities and the theoretical lectures, the student will have acquired skills that will enable him/her to address, in both research and work contexts, issues characterised by interdisciplinary elements ranging from genetic background to social behaviour. The laboratory activities will further develop the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to the professional field.

Autonomy of judgement.
The structure and content of the workshop are also designed to promote autonomy of judgement, which is pursued with an integrative view of the interdisciplinary knowledge of the programme. Autonomy of judgement will also be developed by stimulating the ability to critically analyse the literature in the field and through research and application planning activities.

Communication skills
Activities involving the oral and/or written presentation of work carried out on specific topics through an in-depth study of the literature in the field of study will also make an important contribution to the development of communication skills.

Learning skills.
The student will be guided to develop the ability to independently acquire knowledge on topics of interest by learning the most effective ways of mastering the scientific literature of interest through the use of 'online libraries' (e.g. Pub-Med or Scopus) and developing the ability to effectively cope with reading up-to-date scientific material in English.

Educational objectives

IUS/01
The course’s aim is teaching fundamental institutes of private law, legal terminology and legal categories in order to develop students’ basic skills in legal analysis.

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the main lines of the subject.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to interpret and use legal sources (legislative, jurisprudential, doctrinal).
Making judgements: Ability to critically address key issues in the subject.
Communication skills: Ability to effectively communicate the main issues of the subject, as well as discuss related problems and solutions.
Learning skills: Ability to learn the main issues of the subject and to draw legal sources (legislative, jurisprudential, doctrinal).

IUS/17
The course of Foundations of Civil Law and Foundations of Criminal and Penitentiary Law (Module of Criminal and Penitentiary Law) aims to teach the constitutional principles of criminal law and the constituent elements of the crime, as well as the penal sanction system, in the light not only of the most authoritative doctrine in the matter, but also of the most important jurisprudential rulings.
Knowledge and understanding
The aim of the module is to provide students with adequate knowledge of the principles of criminal law and the analysis of the case of crime through its constituent elements and an understanding of the main penalties and alternative measures to the penalty present in the Italian legal system.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The result expected at the end of the lessons is that the student is able to apply the general principles of criminal law and the institutions that pertain to the general part of criminal law.
Making judgements
The expected result at the end of the module is that the student has developed a sufficiently autonomous ability to analyze the constituent elements of the crime, in the light of the constitutional principles of criminal law and the functions of criminal sanctions and alternative measures to punishment.
Communication skills
At the end of the module the student must be able to explain the notions of criminal law learned in an appropriate way, being able to independently make logical-legal links within the subject, with an appropriate legal language.
Learning skills
At the end of the module the expected result is that the student is able to deepen the study of criminal law, and in particular to have acquired the tools for the decomposition into constituent elements of each crime.

Educational objectives

General Objectives

The course aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the main tools used in psychological assessment within clinical, legal, forensic, and criminological settings, with specific attention to the Italian context. The course also seeks to impart basic and intermediate knowledge related to data analysis. It thus offers the opportunity to integrate psychometric and applied skills, enhancing the ability to consciously use and interpret the most commonly employed cognitive and personality tests based on specific assessment goals. Through lectures, practical exercises, and the use of data analysis software, students will be guided in developing both technical and reflective competencies, which are essential for professional practice in forensic contexts and for drafting structured professional reports.

Specific objectives
Knowledge and Understanding

Students will demonstrate a solid understanding of the main psychodiagnostic tools used in the Italian forensic context, with particular reference to the principal cognitive and personality tests employed in professional practice. This knowledge will cover both theoretical aspects (underlying conceptual models, measured constructs, instrument structure) and technical aspects (administration protocols, scoring methods, sources of error). Additionally, students will be expected to understand the fundamentals of data analysis (descriptive analysis, inferential analysis, regression models), the psychometric foundations of psychological testing, including concepts such as reliability, validity, normative scores, standardization, and factorial structure, also through the use of specific statistical tools such as omnibus software (Jamovi).

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to competently and critically apply the knowledge acquired to select, administer, interpret, and communicate the results obtained from the use of cognitive and personality tests. They will also be capable of performing basic psychometric analyses on the data collected through testing, using the Jamovi software, and applying statistical techniques such as reliability estimation, regression, and factor analysis for the assessment of validity and dimensionality of the tools. Data use and results interpretation will always be conducted within a professional and contextual framework, in line with forensic objectives and case-specific characteristics.

Making Judgements

Students will develop the ability to think independently and critically about the use of psychological tests in forensic contexts, and about the most appropriate data analysis methods to investigate empirical research and applied questions. They will be able to assess the suitability of tools for specific evaluation goals, recognize ethical and deontological implications related to psychodiagnostic practice, identify the limitations of the assessments conducted, and integrate results with other sources of clinical or legal information. This capability will be fostered through class discussions, case analyses, and guided exercises.

Communication Skills

Students will be able to produce clear, structured reports based on data gathered through testing, adapting the communication style to the intended audience (e.g., judges, lawyers, fellow psychologists, evaluated subjects). They will demonstrate the ability to use appropriate and accessible technical language, both in writing and in oral presentations, clearly explaining the evaluation methods adopted, interpretative criteria, and the conclusions reached.

Learning Skills

Students will develop skills that enable them to independently stay updated on theoretical, regulatory, and applied developments in forensic psychodiagnostics, as well as on the use of data analysis techniques. They will be capable of critically exploring new measures and procedures, competently consulting scientific literature and test manuals, and pursuing the continuous learning necessary for evidence-based professional practice.

Educational objectives

The course aims to offer the specific theoretical knowledge and professional skills necessary to operate in the field of Criminology.
In particular, the models of Criminological Sciences and in particular of applicative Criminalistics will be examined.
The aim is to provide practical skills for the reading of criminal dynamics; we will focus on the perpetrator of crime, victimization dynamics, behavioral analysis and profiling and the most advanced methodologies and techniques of investigation at various levels: from investigation to the contribution of the Scientific Police. Particular attention will be given to crime inside and outside the INTERNET and to discrimination and hate crimes. During the course high level experts with testimonies and demonstrations will intervene to offer an advanced knowledge of Criminology in its practical applications.

Knowledge and understanding skills
At the end of the course the student will have to master the main theories and methods of Criminology in a critical way, setting this knowledge within the current scientific panorama. The student must have learned to make critical use of scientific articles and guidelines published at national and international level.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to apply in a competent way the knowledge acquired, both theoretical and methodological, to identify possible solutions to complex application problems, which involve the use of intervention techniques consolidated in the scientific and practical panorama.

Autonomy of judgement
The student will be able to assume and interpret information useful to formulate scientific evaluations and hypotheses concerning the topics of the course in an autonomous way, also taking into account their social and ethical implications.

Communication skills
The student will be able to communicate the contents of the course, their critical elaborations, and the logical processes that have led to them, to expert and non-expert interlocutors.

Learning skills
The student will be able to apply with a high degree of autonomy the acquired skills to the thematic in-depth studies that will be the subject of subsequent studies.

Educational objectives

Apply knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar topics within multidisciplinary contexts.
Learning skills to study in a manner largely self-directed or autonomous.

Educational objectives

General Aim.
The course aims at providing the students with theoretical and practical knowledge that would them help to understand how to use theoretical models for the study of the relations between personality and deviant-antisocial behavior , to acquire extensive scientific knowledge on personality functioning and development of deviant and criminal behaviors. Furthermore, the course will offer methodological competence in the application of main tools for the assessment of personality and deviant behaviors in the contexts of juridical -forensic
The expected learning outcomes would be competent and critical reading of theoretical models related to personality psychology, of scientific literature related to the association between personality and deviant outcomes from infancy to adult age; competent profile analysis of single cases.
The traditional lectures would allow students to master the main principles behind scientific knowledge in the explanation of the relations between personality and deviant behaviors, the assessment process, the ethical and methodological principles of administration (also ethical) and interpretation of tests with children, adolescents and adults. The laboratory thus ensures acquiring the practical and technical ability related to the assessment procedures and the analysis of single cases. The students will examine, according to dimensional approach, the main instruments related to the assessment of personality and the different personality typologies in the context of juridical forensic. The laboratory thus ensures acquiring the practical and technical ability related to personality assessment in children, adolescents and adults. Attendance to the laboratory lessons and experiences must be considered mandatory.
Knowledge and understanding: passing the exam would imply being capable of understanding and using the most widely theoretical models and used tools for the assessment of personality and deviant behaviors, as well as the profile analysis useful for understanding individual at risk of antisocial and criminal behaviors .
Applying knowledge and understanding: passing the exam would imply mastering the knowledge and use appropriate instruments for the research and the assessment of personality in juridical and forensic context.
Making judgment: passing the exam would imply to be able to make informed judgments and evaluations of theoretical models, as well of assessment instruments, recognizing their strengths and limits. These abilities would be attained through discussions on single cases and reports. Discussions would be held in the traditional lessons as well as during the laboratory sessions.
Communication skills: passing the exam would attest that students master the communication abilities and tools needed for an efficacious scientific communication and assessment process.
Learning skills: passing the exam would attest the acquisition of skills conducive to further learning related to psychological assessment. During the traditional lessons such abilities would be transmitted by emphasizing the existing different perspectives on the study of personality, and showing during the laboratory session, the complex assessment and comprehension (reading) of single cases related to different developmental phases, such as late infancy, adolescence and young adulthood.

Educational objectives

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.

Educational objectives

Through lectures, the student may acquire the knowledge and skills of the psychologist in the methods of resolving conflicts alternative to the use of the decision by the Judge (Mediation in the Civil field) or complementary to the judgment of a crime that has resulted in damage (Mediation in the criminal field).
The study of the nature and expressive modes of conflicts will allow to understand and enhance the psychological processes that allow to emerge resources both for the achievement of dispute resolution and for a reparation in the interpersonal relationship between the conflicting parties or between the offender and victim. The course is therefore aimed at developing knowledge and skills on the collaboration of the psychologist in the context of the interventions of Alternative Dispute Resolution and in that of Restorative Justice. The interventions aimed at repairing the damage will be studied both in the criminal field (especially juvenile) - where the result is the re-education of the offender with the active participation of the victim and the civil community - and in the civil field, especially when the damage is produced on the child (effects of the parental conflict on the children; mistreatment, abuse and neglect).
A specific focus on conflict in family relationships – for example during separation and divorce –, will allow students to gain knowledge about the different forms of intervention for parenting support (from preventive to harm reduction) for separated parents: Family Mediation and Parenting Coordination. The study of conflict in the parental couple will also provide an insight into the different forms of domestic violence (IPV).

Educational objectives

The Practical Appraisal Internship (TPV) activities are carried out in qualified university-affiliated institutions. The TPV consists in contextualized and supervised activities, involving direct observation as well as all the activities for the development of procedural and relational skills required by the profession.

Students are expected to acquire skills related to the use of intervention tools for prevention, diagnosis, habilitation-rehabilitation, and support activities in the field of psychology for individuals, groups, and communities, as well as experimentation, research and teaching activities.
Specifically, according to Art. 2, c. 10 of Interm. Decree No. 654/2022, the internship is related to the achievement of diverse skills:
(a) the assessment of the case, with attention to the different phases of the lifespan;
(b) the appropriate use of psychological tools and techniques for collecting information;
c) the use of professional interventions theoretically grounded and evidence-based;
(d) the process and outcome evaluation of the interventions;
(e) the preparation of a report;
(f) the communication to patient/client/user/institution/organization;
(g) the ability to establish appropriate relationships with patients/clients/users/institutions/organizations;
(h) the ability to establish appropriate relationships with colleagues;
(i) the understanding of the professional legal/ethical/deontological profiles, as well as of their possible conflicts.

The TPV project aims to integrate the knowledge, the acquired skills, the job roles trained, the reflection and discussion of one's own and others' activities, and the formation of deontological and professional skills necessary for an autonomous practice of the psychological profession.

Educational objectives

The 3 CFU in "Other Professionalising Activities" aim at allowing the students to integrate their knowledges and skills with those which, though important for their future profession, are not part of the degree program.
knowledge and understanding
Depending on the activities they choose, students will acquire specific professional knowledge.
applying knowledge and understanding
Depending on the activities they choose, students will have the opportunity for applying their knowledge and skills to specific professional fields.
making judgements
Depending on the activities they choose, the larger scope of their professional skills will allow the students to increase their ability of making autonomous judgements.
communication skills
Depending on the activities they choose, students will interact with professionals from psychology and other disciplines. Such interaction will allow them to sharpen their communication abilities even out of their professional field.
learning skills
Depending on the activities they choose, students will be able to face fields and topics requiring different learning strategies.

Educational objectives

The Practical Appraisal Internship (TPV) activities are carried out in qualified university-affiliated institutions. The TPV consists in contextualized and supervised activities, involving direct observation as well as all the activities for the development of procedural and relational skills required by the profession.

Students are expected to acquire skills related to the use of intervention tools for prevention, diagnosis, habilitation-rehabilitation, and support activities in the field of psychology for individuals, groups, and communities, as well as experimentation, research and teaching activities.
Specifically, according to Art. 2, c. 10 of Interm. Decree No. 654/2022, the internship is related to the achievement of diverse skills:
(a) the assessment of the case, with attention to the different phases of the lifespan;
(b) the appropriate use of psychological tools and techniques for collecting information;
c) the use of professional interventions theoretically grounded and evidence-based;
(d) the process and outcome evaluation of the interventions;
(e) the preparation of a report;
(f) the communication to patient/client/user/institution/organization;
(g) the ability to establish appropriate relationships with patients/clients/users/institutions/organizations;
(h) the ability to establish appropriate relationships with colleagues;
(i) the understanding of the professional legal/ethical/deontological profiles, as well as of their possible conflicts.

The TPV project aims to integrate the knowledge, the acquired skills, the job roles trained, the reflection and discussion of one's own and others' activities, and the formation of deontological and professional skills necessary for an autonomous practice of the psychological profession.

Educational objectives

The purpose of the master’s thesis is to develop the students’ scientific problem-focused approach and improve their ability to pursue lifelong learning. In their work on the thesis, the students will train in resolving problems independently, critical assessment of scientific literature and formulating clear research questions.
Knowledge and competences, as well as the students’ ability to apply knowledge and competences, their ability to communicate, and their ability to make judgements will be evaluated by their tutor and co-tutor, and by a jury of professors on the basis of thesis presentation (both written and oral) and defense.