Monash University Law Handbook 1995

Copyright © Monash University 1995
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Details of undergraduate subjects

LAW4101

Administration of criminal justice 415

Not offered in 1995

15 points * One 2-hour lecture per week and one 1-hour lecture per week* Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: See section 3 of faculty resolutions

Criminal justice is not just something that occurs in the precincts of the criminal courts. In fact, the vast majority of contacts between citizens and members of criminal justice agencies (police, prosecutors, courts, corrections) takes place outside of the courts and even the formal prosecution process. With this in mind, the subject focuses in particular on the early, pre-trial aspects of the criminal process, ie on matters arising from police investigation and the prosecution of offenders. The subject deals with such issues as the police role, police discretion, police powers, abuse of police power and corruption, police-community relations, relationships between police and prosecutors and the social construction of prosecutions. There is also a general overview component to the subject, in which theories of crime and criminal justice, crime statistics, the role of the media, and public perceptions of crime are examined. Where possible, clinical placements and institutional visits will be arranged.

Assessment

Written major research assignment (4500-5000 words): 50% * Written minor research assignment or book review (2000 words) or class presentation: 25% * Take-home test: 25%


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