Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200701

Coordinator Rossi Kotsis Opens in new window

Description This subject 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