Module: CRI5001-20 Criminal Justice: Theory, Policy and Practice

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rosalchen Whitecross

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.whitecross@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The module examines contemporary criminological concerns and current policies in the context of the administration of criminal justice and corrections.  Building on your knowledge of crime and criminological theories, in your first year of study you will develop your understanding by applying these to the agencies, systems and processes of criminal justice. You will learn about key debates on justice, sentencing, punishment, victimisation and the governance, management and reform of criminal justice. In addition, you will explore the social dimensions of crime (including gender, race and ethnicity, class, age and the life course) and how these impact on the enactment of criminal justice procedures and corrections and their experience by offenders.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

• Criminal justice systems in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland

• Criminal justice agencies

• Theories and models of criminal justice

• Police and prosecution

• Courts and the judiciary

• Sentencing

• Theories of punishment and corrections

• Diversity and the criminal justice system

• Juveniles and youth offending

• Prisons and imprisonment

• Community justice and probation

• Politics and policies of criminal justice

• Privatisation and mixed economies of criminal justice

• Offender management

• Multi-agency and partnership working

• Discretion, autonomy and decision-making

• Victims and victimology

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will introduce each topic with an overview of central issues and problems. Seminars will provide an opportunity for interactive and immersive learning including discussion and debates on key readings and the ability to learn and use skills and techniques of criminal justice practices in simulated settings.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Briefing paper (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%