Description
This module will provide students with an introduction to the criminal justice system and processes in Britain. It will examine how the criminal justice system operates, its key agencies and processes, as well as their relationship with the wider institutions, structures and issues in modern society. It will also look consider theories of and debates concerning crime and criminal justice and how these have influenced the history and development of the criminal justice system.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with: introductory knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, its aims, key agencies and processes and their relationship with the wider society.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Understand and consider the function and aims of the criminal justice system.
2. Identify and understand the key agencies and processes involved in the criminal justice system.
3. Identify and assess structural and individual responses to the 'problem' of crime and victimisation.
4. Understand and consider the relationship between social power, inequality, crime and the criminal justice system.
5. Have a foundation of knowledge for more specialized criminological studies courses and professional development.
6. Work in both individual and group settings, and develop critical, collaborative, written and oral presentation skills.
Indicative Content
1 The Criminal Justice System
What is criminal justice? is there a criminal justice 'system'? general characteristics, themes and principles; theories and approaches to crime prevention and crime control; crime control models vs 'due process' models; criminal justice in Scotland.
2 Key Agencies
The role, functions and working practices of the main agencies operating within the criminal justice system (e.g. the police, courts, prisons and probation services) and the processes involved from arrest to probation.
3 Structural & Individual Responses to Crime and Victimisation
How does society perceive and respond to crime, justice and injustice?; 'Fighting' crime, 'helping' victims; politics, the media and moral panics.
4 Social Power, Inequality and Criminal Justice
Youth crime and justice; race and institutional racism; gender and crime; crime and criminalisation.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 10 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 30 |
| Independent | 140 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
