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LAW1302 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

  • Offered for Year: 2027/28
  • Module Leader(s): TBC
  • Owning School: Newcastle Law School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

The chief aims of the module are: (1) to provide an overview of the aims and values of criminal justice system (2) to provide knowledge and understanding of the law, policy and practice relating to particular aspects of the criminal process; (3) to demonstrate the issues and tensions that confront the wide range of participants in the criminal justice process; and (4) to encourage an appreciation of the political context in which criminal justice processes operate. The focus of the module is on criminal justice in England & Wales.

Outline Of Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, core concepts and principles
  • Overview of the system's structure and purpose
  • Theoretical foundations/models of criminal justice
  • Understanding key actors
  • Who are the perpetrators – and what are their rights
  • Who are the victims – ideal victim, hidden victim, vulnerability and county lines – victim as perpetrator
  • Influence of politics, role of media and public opinion
  • The Police: Role, powers, and accountability; Contemporary challenges – Trust and legitimacy
  • The Courts and Crown Prosecution Service: Structure of courts in England and Wales; Roles of judges, magistrates, the prosecution service and legal professionals; Contemporary challenges to delivering justice
  • Prisons, Probation and Parole: Prison, Probation, rehabilitation and community sentences; The parole process; Contemporary challenges – privatisation, staff recruitment and retention
  • Systemic failings and injustice: Inequalities, discrimination and unfair treatment; Wrongful convictions / miscarriages of justice

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Lecture 22 1:00 22:00 Includes assessment guidance
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Fieldwork 1 4:00 4:00 Trip to court
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Workshops 4 2:00 8:00 Focusing on exploration of cases studies
Structured Guided Learning Lecture materials 3 1:00 3:00 Pre-recorded materials
Guided Independent Study Assessment preparation and completion 1 161:00 161:00 Including assessment preparation and completion
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Dropin/surgery 2 1:00 2:00 N/A
Total 200:00  
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and workshops. Lectures are used to convey core theoretical and substantive material. Workshops will focus on case studies of contemporary challenges for the criminal justice system. They will feature student-led discussions of materials including academic literature, case law, official reports, documentaries, news reports, podcasts etc. The workshops will give greater context to the materials outlined in lectures. The fieldtrip will also enable students to see criminal justice in action.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise 1 2 M 50 Reflective log based on field trip 1000 words
Written exercise 2 2 M 50 Research paper 2000 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Reflective logs are an effective tool for developing intellectual and critical thinking skills and for enabling students to confront and reflect on their own preconceptions. The research paper will allow students to subject a topic to close examination and to showcase research and writing skills.

Timetable