CRIMINAL JUSTICE
LAW3CJU
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
The criminal justice system refers to the collection of state institutions (eg courts) and agencies (eg police, prosecution, corrections) responsible for the processing of persons accused of committing crime, and convicted of a crime. This subject matter is examined at a number of different levels. At the broadest level, the meaning of, and application of, fundamental legal doctrines such as the Rule of Law, judicial independence and prosecutorial independence, are examined. At a different level, more specific rules are examined. These rules govern the responsibilities and duties of key officials and correspondingly, create basic rights of accused and convicted persons. This subject focuses upon case analysis and legislative provisions. The operation of discretionary powers is one theme which unifies the various topics covered.
School: La Trobe Law School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Pascale Chifflet
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: LAW1LIM and LAW1CRL
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: LAW1CJU, LAW2CJU
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Current enrolment in Bachelor of Laws or pre-2006 Bachelor of Legal Studies. Students who have already completed units in criminal justice at another institution cannot enrol in this unit unless they have the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Corns and Tudor, Criminal investigation and procedure: the law in Victoria (2009) | Prescribed | Corns, C, and Tudor, S. | LAW BOOK CO. THOMSON REUTERS |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate comprehension of the law governing the administration of criminal justice in Victoria.
- Activities:
- Lectures and/or tutorial discussions on the basic institutions and personnel responsible for the administration of criminal justice in Victoria and at the federal level; the basic legal doctrines, principles and procedures which underpin the criminal justice system. Online quiz.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
02. Identify, use and appraise research material relevant to the administration of criminal justice.
- Activities:
- Assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
03. Critically analyse contemporary issues relevant to the administration of criminal justice.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials and/or online resources directed at evaluating the fairness and efficiency of the criminal justice system Assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
04. Evaluate areas for reform of the administration of criminal justice and construct a coherent argument for that reform.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials and/or online resources engaging with recent or ongoing reforms relevant to the criminal justice system in Victoria and/or in other jurisdictions. Assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Pascale Chifflet
Class requirements
TutorialWeek: 32 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class participation | 10 | 01, 03, 04 | |
| Final assignment | 2000 words | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Mid-term assignment | 1500 words | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online quiz | 10 | 01 |