ATS2552 - Crime, justice and the public - 2019

The unit prepares students to shape crime and justice policies in government agencies and non-governmental organisations by introducing them to the making and implementation of crime and criminal justice policies. It utilises contemporary case studies and engages policy makers and practitioners. Students are introduced to the dynamics of crime and justice policy-making in Victoria (state), Australia (federal), and internationally. The politics of crime and justice policy-making in Victoria are explored. The significant obstacles faced by policy makers, when attempting to develop effective and humane crime and justice policies, are addressed. Building on this foundational knowledge, students are given a practical introduction to the skills of policy development and writing. The focus of the unit then shifts from the making of crime and justice policy to its implementation, and students examine the various challenges associated with translating crime and justice policies into practice.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. explain the procedural dynamics of crime and criminal justice policy making;
2. identify and evaluate key obstacles to effective and human crime and justice policy making;
3. collaborate to formulate policy proposals that conform to established guidelines for effective policy writing;
4. critically analyse the local, national and international challenges of effective policy implementation and evaluation.

Within semester assessment: 100%

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

Bachelor of Criminology