Sessional Lecturer-FSC361H5S - Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System

Date Posted: 06/21/2025
Req ID: 43654
Faculty/Division: UofT Mississauga
Department: Forensic Science (UTM: Anthropology)
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

Description:

FSC361H5S - Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System

Course Description: This course will develop students’ knowledge of forensic mental health issues throughout the criminal justice system, including the nature and extent of mental illness in our society and the various legal, social and ethical issues that arise when a mentally disordered individual comes into contact with the criminal justice system. Topics to be explored include: the medical and legal definitions of mental disorder and their relationship to each other; the criteria for state-compelled treatment and how it impinges upon individual autonomy; the changing views of the justice system’s duty to accommodate victims and witnesses with mental health issues; fitness to stand trial and the defense of not criminally responsible; and the Review Board process. [36L]

Session: January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026

Lectures: Tuesdays 6:00pm – 9:00pm (In-person)

Practicals/Tutorials: None

Estimated Course Enrolment: 40

Estimated TA Support: Approximately 60 hours (total number of assigned hours for all positions is dependent on course enrolment and course approvals).

Salary: 

• $9,820.70 for Sessional Lecturer I
• $10,510.04 for Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term
• $10,510.04 for Sessional Lecturer II
• $10,760.28 for Sessional Lecturer III

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

This course may be co-taught, in which case the salary amounts shown above will be divided according to the teaching load of each co-instructor (e.g.: 0.25 FCE each).

Qualifications: Ph.D. (completed) in Psychology, Law or closely related topic, or completed law degree (i.e.: LLB or LLM) with specialization and experience in Law and Evidence in the field of Forensic Sciences.  Please note: If co-teaching, both instructors must meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidate(s) will have trial experience with cases that focused on mental health and the law. Knowledge and experience of the Mental Health Courts system in Ontario would be an asset. Relevant qualification, professional designation or professional experience an asset. We are seeking previous experience in teaching, mastery of subject area, forensic science background, and professional experience. Experience with management and delivery of courses using University of Toronto or similar systems (e.g., Quercus, Canvas-based technologies, Zoom, etc.) is preferred.

Duties: Preparation and delivery of course material, preparation and delivery of assignments, tests and/or exams; supervision of teaching assistants (includes providing instruction on how to mark, as well as holding office hours); marking of students’ work (during the term and beyond if an extension of time is granted by the university officials); submission of grades to university officials; and holding regular office hours. The mode of instruction for this course is expected to be in-person. However, if this changes for any reason, you will be provided with as much advance notice as practicable.  

Application instructions:

1. Apply online through the Sessional Lecturer Unit 3 Application  on the Forensic Science Program website
2. Email your CV to Carolyn Loos (Program Manager) at carolyn.loos@utoronto.ca by 11:59pm on July 21, 2025.

Both requirements are necessary to be considered. Questions can be directed to Carolyn Loos, Department Manager, at the above email.

Closing Date: 07/21/2025, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. 

 It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.  

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.