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Courses / Modules / LAWS2024 Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

When you'll study it
Semester 1
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 5
Module lead
Harry Annison
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

What is the purpose of the criminal justice system?

What is the appropriate role of the police?

How have efforts to rehabilitate offenders changed over recent decades?

How are political priorities re-shaping criminal justice?

These are some of the questions that are central to 'Criminal Justice'. This module explores the policy and practice of key criminal justice institutions, including the police, probation and prisons. It will consider the duties and activities of these institutions, and the challenges that they face in an era of rapid change. The module will do so in light of key theoretical debates regarding the purpose and nature of criminal justice.

In summary, this module will enable students to explore the roles and historical trajectory of key criminal justice institutions and to critically analyse their appropriate future direction. Teaching is informed by relevant academic staff's published and ongoing research.