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LAW3301 - Sentencing and Punishment Theory

  • Offered for Year: 2027/28
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Elizabeth McClory-Tiarks
  • 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 module aims to:

  1. Provide an in-depth understanding of different justifications for punishment, including retributive, consequentialist and mixed theories.
  2. Enable students to develop an appreciation of how punishment theories influence and shape sentencing practice.
  3. Develop an understanding of the sentencing system in England and Wales, including historical practices, current practice and likely future developments (including technological developments impacting sentencing, such as Artificial Intelligence).
  4. Develop a good understanding of alternative approaches, including restorative justice.

Outline Of Syllabus

  1. History of punishment in England and Wales
  2. Retributive theories
  3. Consequentialist theories
  4. Mixed theories
  5. Moral responsibility and punishment: the free will debate
  6. Sentencing in England and Wales
  7. The ethics of imprisonment
  8. Alternative approaches (restorative justice; child welfare; and mental health treatment)
  9. Technology and punishment
  10. Arguments for abolition

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided Learning Lecture materials 2 1:00 2:00 Two recorded lectures published on Canvas
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Lecture 20 1:00 20:00 N/A
Structured Guided Learning Academic skills activities 11 0:15 2:45 Online non-assessed quiz
Guided Independent Study Directed research and reading 84 1:00 84:00 N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Small group teaching 5 1:00 5:00 N/A
Guided Independent Study Assessment preparation and completion 20 1:00 20:00 N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Scheduled online contact time 3 1:00 3:00 Synchronous online whole group sessions
Structured Guided Learning Structured non-synchronous discussion 11 0:30 5:30 Non-synchronous online discussion boards – lecturer moderated
Guided Independent Study Independent study 1 57:45 57:45 N/A
Total 200:00  
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In-person lectures and online materials and activities provide students with an overview of each area. This includes an introduction to relevant academic literature and key concepts and issues. Seminars enable students to further develop and consolidate knowledge and understanding, as well as to develop analytical and critical thinking / evaluation skills. Moderated discussion boards will enable students to ask questions, share literature and ideas and discuss topical issues, further developing their knowledge and understanding of each topic. Multiple choice quizzes for each area will help to check knowledge and consolidate learning, as well as helping to assist with revision for the assessment. Directed research and reading as well as independent study will consist of essential reading to supplement lectures and seminars, further reading lists, and research which is self-directed. Independent study also includes preparation for undertaking the assessment. The two online revision lectures will support students in preparing for their assessment.

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay 1 2 M 100 3500 essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The subject matter of this module is suited to a research-based essay assessment. It will comprise of a choice of questions (one to be answered) on an issue or area covered by the module, to be answered by a 3500-word essay. Coursework is the most appropriate assessment format to assess the development of communication, written and research skills, whilst also permitting students to demonstrate the development of key subject-specific knowledge areas. Seminar questions and activities are designed to provide students with the opportunities for formative development and feedback and prepare students for the summative coursework assessment.

Timetable