Module overview
In this module you will develop an understanding of the England and Wales criminal justice system, with a particular focus on its philosophies, institutional practices and processes and outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how the criminal justice system attempts to uphold the rule of law, deter criminal behaviour, promote law abiding behaviour and sanction those who violate laws through criminal penalties. Consideration will also be given to due process protections against abuse of policing and prosecution powers.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Write clear and well-structured critical accounts of theoretical ideas, approaches and concepts.
- Understand how the criminal justice system impacts on public security, individual well being and state legitimacy.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of different models of justice.
- Understand different theoretical approaches explaining the logics and dynamics of criminal justice.
- Use specialist knowledge of one or more areas within the Criminal Justice System to construct a criminological argument.
- Identify, select and draw upon a range of sources to support the development of an argument.
- Use correct citation and referencing when providing evidence from academic sources to support your argument
- Understand the criminal justice process and evaluate theoretical approaches to understanding the criminal justice system
- Identify human rights issues in the criminal justice response to crime and punishment
- Reflect critically on your learning and develop strategies to improve your work.
Syllabus
This module will introduce students to the key aspects of the criminal justice system and examines how it operates in relation to theory and context. Critical questions that will frame the module include:
- What forces shape and drive the criminal justice system?
- What are the values and philosophies that inform its operation?
- How is it adapting to new circumstances ?
- What are the key ethical issues and controversies facing the criminal justice system?
- How is criminal justice related to broader conceptions of social justice?
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A combination of weekly lectures and fortnightly seminars to a total of 24 hours contact time
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 24 |
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Malcolm Davies, Hazel Croall & Jane Tyrer, (2010). Criminal Justice: An Introduction to the CriminalJustice System in England and Wales.
Joyce, P (2006). Criminal Justice: An Introduction: An Introduction to Crime and the Criminal JusticeSystem. Devon: Willan Publishing.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The course will be assessed in two ways - through a 2000 word paper due in approximately Week 6 and a two hour exam in the end of academic year exam period.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 60% |
| Essay | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 40% |
| Exam | 60% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External