JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200701

Coordinator Rossi Kotsis Opens in new window

Description This unit introduces candidates to the criminal justice system through an examination of justifications for punishment and the policy and practice of various criminal justice agencies. Attention is paid to the significance of race, class and gender, and how these variables impact upon justice within the criminal justice system. Where possible, visits to criminal justice agencies and a prison are organised, and practitioners are invited to seminars to enable candidates to gain a more practical understanding of the criminal justice system.

School Law

Discipline Legal Studies

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2004

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Assess the dynamic nature of criminal justice and criminal procedure and the social, political and legal factors which contribute to this dynamism.
  2. Critically analyse the impact of the criminal justice system on different social groups, including Indigenous Peoples.
  3. Develop clear, logical and persuasive arguments about issues of criminal law and criminal justice.
  4. Propose solutions to contemporary issues in criminal justice.

Subject Content

1. Criminal legal theory
2. Impact of the criminal justice system on social groups
3. Police investigation and discretion
4. Charge negotiation
5. Jurisdictional limits and classification of criminal charges
6. Impact of political and social factors on criminal laws and procedures
7. The jury as a tribunal of fact
8. Victims of crime
9. Sentencing
10. Technology in the criminal justice system

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Participation During semester 10 N Individual
Presentation 30 minutes 30 N Both (Individual & Group)
Report 1,500 words 20 Y Individual
Final Exam 48 hours 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Findlay, Mark, Stephen Odgers and Stanley Yeo, Australian Criminal Justice (Oxford University Press, 5th ed, 2014)

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Campbelltown

Weekend

Subject Contact Rossi Kotsis Opens in new window

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Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Weekend

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