Sessional lecturer-FSCH- Mental Illness Criminal Justice System

Position: Sessional lecturer-FSC361H5S - Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System

Date Posted: 06/12/2026
Req : 48533
Faculty/Division: UofT Mississauga
Department: UTM:
Anthropology
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

Description:

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, 2027 – April 30, 2027

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:

• $9,997.48 for Sessional Lecturer I
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer I - Long Term
• $10,699.22 for Sessional Lecturer II
• $10,953.96 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 or ABD with active student status at issuing institution) in Psychology or Law or closely related topic, or completed law degree (LLB/JD or LLM) with practice experience in criminal law, including with respect to trial and/or appellate work involving evidence law, expert witness evidence and mental disorder in the criminal justice system.

Please note:

If co-teaching, both instructors must meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidate will have trial experience with criminal cases involving expert witness evidence and legal issues related to mental disorder (including issues pertaining to assessment orders, fitness, NCRMD, etc.). Knowledge and experience specific to the criminal justice system in Ontario (Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice) and the Ontario Review Board would be an asset. Demonstrated commitment to education within the legal and/or expert witness communities would be an asset.

We are seeking previous experience in teaching/education, mastery of subject area, mental disorder and/or law 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:

Apply online through the Sessional Lecturer Unit 3 Application on the Institute of Forensic Sciences website

Email your CV to Carolyn Loos (Department Manager) at  by 11:59pm on July 13, 2026.

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

Applicants not able to apply online should contact Carolyn Loos (Department Manager) at  or by email at:

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

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