AZA1282 - Introduction to criminal justice - 2018

The police, courts, and corrections constitute the Criminal Justice System. The "independence" of these three elements from each other is essential to the civil, political and human rights of a particular society. This unit describes and analyses the crucial functions of each part of the system and of the system as a whole. In so doing it incorporates emerging forms of justice and formal and informal approaches to policing, mediating and punishment.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. A critical understanding of the functioning of the three elements of the criminal justice system and of the system as a whole;
2. An understanding of contemporary debates relevant to global criminal justice issues from an African perspective;
3. The skill to analyse contemporary issues in relation to traditional and alternative forms of policing, sentencing and punishing;
4. The ability to write an essay based on rational argument;
5. The skills needed to deliver an oral presentation;
6. Library and internet based research skills.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Exam: 50%

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

Criminology and criminal justice - South Africa