Module: CRI5100-20 Crime, Law and Society

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: tba

Module Tutor Contact Details: tba

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module explores the relationship between society and legal institutions with a focus on crime and criminal law in the context of the legal system in England and Wales. It examines theories and empirical studies of law and regulation through the lens of social science, emphasizing the social, political, cultural, and historical contexts of law, legislation and judicial decisions. This module critically examines the social construction of law and justice, instruments of regulation and control and associations between law, authority and power. It considers how laws and civil regulation attempt to control and punish crime and how effective they are in performing this function. The module will also enable you to develop employability skills such as self-management, problem-solving and communication.

2. Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

▪ Theories of justice and jurisprudence

▪ Legal systems

▪ Courts and trials

▪ Criminal Liability

▪ Defences to crime

▪ Equality before the law

▪ The landscape of regulation

▪ Witnesses, victims and the law

▪ Law, media and cultures of control

▪ Miscarriages of justice

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will provide the foundation for learning, with a broad overview of each topic. You will prepare readings from articles and cases highlighted by the lecturer in order to develop a preliminary understanding of the topic. This will inform participation in seminars which will cover issues raised in each topic in greater depth and provide students with an opportunity to engage in discussion and analysis of case law and specific legal problems.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Unseen Exam (2hours)

• % Weighting: 50%