Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Forensic Psychopathology – Psychological Expertise in the Judicial Field

Foundation

This proposal stems from the need to strengthen the specialized training of psychologists and future professionals in the field of psychological assessment applied to legal contexts. The growing demand from the judicial system for professionals trained to act as expert witnesses requires competencies that go beyond general undergraduate training.

The course addresses the connection between Psychology and Law, delving into personality diagnosis, the forensic diagnostic interview, the use of psychometric and projective instruments, as well as the preparation and defense of technically sound expert reports.

It also responds to the need for ongoing training of professionals with experience or interest in the legal-forensic field, strengthening clinical, methodological and ethical criteria for responsible practice that meets the demands of the justice system.

General Purpose

To provide conceptual, methodological and technical tools for personality assessment in the legal-forensic field, promoting the development of clinical and expert criteria that allow for adequately substantiated psychological evaluations in accordance with the demands of the justice system.

Specific objectives

1. Analyze the conceptual foundations of psychological assessment in the legal-forensic field, distinguishing it from clinical assessment.
2. To recognize the main legal concepts related to psychological expert practice, as well as the role and limits of the psychologist within the judicial process.
3. Develop technical criteria for the administration, analysis and integration of diagnostic interviews and psychological assessment techniques applied to personality diagnosis.
4. Acquire methodological tools for the preparation and substantiation of psychological expert reports in accordance with the technical and legal requirements of the judicial field.

Modality and Duration

• Synchronous online meetings with subsequent access to recordings.
• 10 meetings of 4 hours each.
• Total: 40 clock hours.
• Frequency: Every two weeks.
• With a Final Integrative Evaluation.

teachers in charge

• Responsible teacher: Specialist Attorney Pablo Duje, MP 3209
• Administrative coordination: Master Fernando Susino

Recipients

• Graduates in Psychology.
• Advanced students of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (4th and 5th year).

Tariff and payment methods

• General national tariff: $48 pm0.
• UM community fee: $ 360.000.
• General tariff for foreigners: $ 500.000.

Payment method

• Issuance of a checkbook with a fee.
• Payment through the University's usual means.
• Possibility of paying by credit card up to 6 installments without interest.
• No refund of the fee is foreseen in case of not completing the course.

Registration and payment request

Pre-registration is done via an online form https://forms.gle/CoKbhqEFhCYDteS36

Once the form is completed, the corresponding checkbook will be issued for payment of the fee according to the applicable category.

Contact us for more information

Postgraduate Coordination – Degree Course in Psychology
School of Health Sciences – Universidad de Mendoza, campus Río Cuarto.

postgraduatepsychology.rc@um.edu.ar

Assessment and certification

Course approval will require the completion and passing of a Mandatory Final Integrative Assessment, of an individual and written nature.

The work will consist of the technical analysis of graphic productions provided by the teacher, integrating the content developed during the course.

The evaluation will be expressed using the following qualitative scale:

• Approved.
• Disapproved.

To pass, it will be necessary to achieve, at a minimum, 60% of the established evaluation criteria.

Once the academic requirements have been met, a:

Certificate of protocolization accredited by Dean's Resolution (RD) and Rector's Resolution (RR).

Academic structure: modules and content

Module 1. Personality diagnosis in the judicial field (8 hours)

Introduction to forensic psychological diagnosis, its impact on criminal responsibility and judicial decision-making. The specific characteristics of psychodiagnostics in different jurisdictions and the scope of the professional role are addressed.

Module 2. Forensic diagnostic interview (7 hours)

Development of skills for conducting psychological interviews in judicial contexts, aimed at obtaining valid and relevant information, avoiding bias and leading responses.

Module 3. Personality Questionnaires (5 hours)

Introduction to the use of psychometric instruments in forensic practice, including basic notions about MMPI-2 and SIMS for the detection of simulation and distortion of symptoms.

Module 4. Projective techniques and graphic tests: scientific basis (9 hours)

Scientific foundations and introductory application of projective and graphic techniques in forensic evaluation, including Human Figure Drawing and the Bender Test, integrating their results into the diagnostic process.

Module 5. The expert report (7 hours)

Technical approach to the preparation of the expert psychological report as an evidentiary document, considering its structure, interpretation and suitability to different judicial jurisdictions.

Module 6. The expert witness in the oral debate: technical aspects to take into account (4 hours)

Analysis of the psychologist's role as a technical witness, strategies for the oral defense of the report, and criteria for its adequate substantiation before the judicial campus.

Final certification

Participants who complete the course and pass the mandatory final evaluation will receive the corresponding certification, formally documented institutionally and supported by current academic regulations through a Dean's Resolution and a Rector's Resolution.