law2slp sentencing law and policy
SENTENCING LAW AND POLICY
LAW2SLP
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Most people charged with a criminal offence are sentenced, which involves the loss of individual liberty, a fundamental right of our society.This subject examines the law and practice of sentencing in Victoria. The substantive law of sentencing is examined, the theoretical bases of sentencing are critically evaluated and the relationship between political processes, policy and legislation is explored.Students attend a weekly three hour lecture seminar on campus and another day a week go on a field trip to an institution involved in sentencing, such as a prison.Students are also taught advocacy skills which and will conduct a plea in mitigation of sentence in a moot court hearing as part of their assessment.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorBen Walsh
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites LAW1LIM, LAW1CRL
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Entrance into the course is by application only.
Learning resources
Readings
Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|
Readings | Victorian Sentencing Manual | Prescribed | NA | Judicial College of Victoria |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate an understanding of Victorian sentencing law and procedure.
- Activities:
- Moot plea in mitigation of sentence
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
02. Apply your knowledge of sentencing law and procedure to practical situations.
- Activities:
- Moot plea in mitigation of sentence
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
03. Critically evaluate sentencing law, policy and practice in Victoria.
- Activities:
- Essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
04. Apply legal research skills to a practical legal problem.
- Activities:
- Moot plea in mitigation of sentence
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
05. Be able to create and present a persuasive oral argument in a court room setting.
- Activities:
- Moot plea in mitigation of sentence
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
06. Develop the skill of reflective practice
- Activities:
- Reflective journal
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2017, Week 03-09, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment size30
Enrolment information Field Trips limit the number of students that can participate By application
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorBen Walsh
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 03 - 09
Six 3.0 hours lecture/seminar per study period on weekdays during the day from week 03 to week 09 and delivered via face-to-face.
Field TripWeek: 03 - 09
Six 1.0 days field trip per study period on weekdays during the day from week 03 to week 09 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
---|---|---|---|
Moot | Plea in Mitigation | 30 | 01, 02, 04, 05 |
one written assignment | 3000 words | 50 | 03 |
reflective journals | totalling 1,000 words | 20 | 06 |