What if you could better understand the “why” behind complex human behavior, especially when it brings people into contact with the justice system? Explore how insights from psychology and related behavioral sciences help justice professionals understand and respond to the diverse individuals who interact with policing, courts, corrections, and community-based programs. Examine how trauma, social context, neurodevelopment, and lived experience shape behavior and influence interactions with justice institutions. Through real-world examples, you’ll analyze topics such as risk assessment, victimization, trauma-informed practice, and the behavioral dynamics associated with serious violence. Learn how behavioral evidence and expert analyses inform investigations, court decisions, supervision strategies, and policy debates. The course prepares you to interpret behavioral information critically and apply behavioral science insights to justice-system decision-making and professional practice.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.