ATS1282 - Criminal justice: An introduction - 2017

This unit explores the operation of the major institutions of the criminal justice system in Australia and analyses current debates surrounding the outcomes of the system. The police, courts and sentencing, punishment and prisons and alternative community-based schemes will be investigated. The unit examines the relationship between the different parts of the criminal justice system and the relationship with the wider community. The ways in which police, courts and corrections handle contemporary issues for example, mandatory sentencing, minority groups, zero tolerance, drugs, vigilante justice and juvenile justice may be covered in this subject.

Upon completion of the unit students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Apply library based research skills to access appropriate Criminology databases;
2. Demonstrate basic skills in communicating orally and in writing key functions of the criminal justice system;
3. Present contemporary debates and analysis of the traditional components of the criminal justice system; and
4. Identify diverse arguments regarding traditional and non-traditional responses to criminal justice issues and mechanisms.

Within semester assessment: 60% + Exam: 40%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Kathryn Benier

Criminology

AZA1282