Hot Topics in Psychology and Law

Course #7871

Instructors: Michael & Eleanor Willemsen

There are many ways in which psychological research and clinical expertise inform the law. Also, there is a body of law that governs clinical practice in Psychology and in Special Education. Topics will include criminal investigations, sexual harassment, mental competency, child abuse, involuntary confinement, and more.

In each class, there will be a law mini-lecture from Mike, a psychology mini-lecture from Eleanor, a presentation by Mike of one key judicial opinion that sets forth an important legal principle for that topic, and a group discussion led by Eleanor of a scenario that requires us to apply the material just presented.

About the Instructors

Eleanor Willemsen received her BA, MA and PhD in Psychology from Stanford. As a long-time professor at Santa Clara University, she taught Developmental Psychology, as well as did research on attachment and related topics in early childhood.

Mike Willemsen received his BA and MA in Economics as well as his law degree from Stanford. he has worked as a staff attorney, supervising the staffs of three different justices, as well as practiced appellate law, mostly doing criminal appeals.

The Willemsens have co-taught a Psychology and Law course at SCU for 27 years, as well as co-authored Amicus Curiae briefs and a law review article.

Registration Information

$45 for Avenidas members; $55 for non-members. This class meets via Zoom. Log on information will be emailed to registered students ahead of the first class.