Module Information
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | |
Lecture | 30 Hours. One two hour and two one hour lectures per week |
Seminars / Tutorials | 6 Hours. Three two hour seminars during the semester |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Exam | 2 Hours seen examination | 100% |
Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours seen examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
The course will teach and develop :
the ability to locate relevant materials and to select information from a range of sources
knowledge and understanding of the law, policies and theories which shape the criminal justice and the penal systems
an understanding of the key concepts of the subject and the methods of evaluating the operation of the system
an understanding of the social background and wider context of criminal justice
the ability to analyse data
a wider experience in the methodology of the social sciences
the ability to engage in rigorous debate and the presentation of logical and balanced argument.
critical study of the effectiveness of law.
Brief description
The subject is one which invites critical analysis and is well-known generally as a catalyst for controversy and debate. The problem of dealing with crime is a significant issue for most societies and the official response to this problem through the mechanisms of criminal justice and the penal system is an interesting testing ground for argument about the effectiveness of law. The procedures, institutions and agencies of the criminal justice systems are studied in detail and analysed critically. Comparisons are drawn where appropriate with approaches taken in other legal systems and present responses are set in the context of the historical development of policies to deal with crime and delinquency.
Studying this type of subject necessarily entails reference to a wide range of materials within the whole spectrum of law and social science: legislation and case law; empirical research studies; statistical data; policy documents; and works of a theoretical kind based in both social science and moral philosophy. The module therefore has a strong interdisciplinary element which will broaden the experience of the student of law, while making the study of some areas of the legal system accessible to students of other subjects.
Aims
Content
The module is taught through lectures and seminars. The lectures are intended to provide a framework for understanding the subject and developing a critical response to the issues which arise from it. Seminars provide the opportunity for more detailed discussion and analysis and often cover aspects not included in the lectures. Topics for seminar discussion and for written work are designed to encourage independent research by students.
Syllabus
1. Theories:
Of criminal justice
Relating to Penal Policy and the Penal System
2. The Phenomenon of Crime
The 'politics' of crime
Establishing the level and patterns of crime: official criminal statistics - alternative methods of establishing the crime rate
Analysing data relating to crime
Theoretical assessment of crime and its occurance
Media perceptions of crime
Sentencing, facts and figures
3. Policing
Police discretion and types of policing
Police accountability
Future policy
4. Criminal justice Procedure
Police decisions
Detention in the Police Station
Prosecution and diversion
Pre-trial
Justice in the system
5. The sentencing process and the principles of sentencing
The repertoire of sentences
The choice between custodial and non-custodial measures
The objectives underlying the choice of sentence : punishment, rehabilitation and protection of society
6. Prisons
Reading List
Supplementary TextA Duff and D Garland (1994) A Reader of Punishment Primo search Andrew Ashworth (1998) The Criminal Process: An Evaluative Study 2nd Primo search C Harding and L Koffman (1995) Sentencing and the Penal System: Text and Materials 2nd Primo search G Dingwall and C Harding (1998) Diversion in the Criminal Process Primo search M Cavadino and J Dignan (1997) The Penal System : and Introduction 2nd Primo search M Wasik, T Gibbons and M Redmayne (1998) Criminal Justice - Text and Materials Primo search Mike Maguire, Rod Morgan and Robert Reiner (2002) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology 3rd Primo search Von Hirsch and A Ashworth (1998) Principles of Sentencing 2nd Primo search
F Leishman, B Loveday & S Savage (2000) Core Issues in Policing 2nd Primo search K Stenson & R R Sullivan (2001) Crime, Risk & Justice Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6