Sociology and Criminology
Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Module code: L3112
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay
This module introduces you to the criminal justice system by focusing on key debates around social control and the historic development of institutions.
You’ll assess the development of key components of the justice system, including:
- prisons
- the police
- probation
- the courts
- community justice.
You’ll also examine contemporary debates, including:
- race and crime
- gender
- power and punishment
- issues of overpolicing and criminalisation
- youth justice
- crime prevention.
You’ll also study the British justice system in an international context for comparison.
Module learning outcomes
- Describe the key aspects of the criminal justice justice and their historical development.
- Understand the functions of the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary debates and concerns surrounding the criminal justice system.
- Be confident evaluating classic texts, policy documents and papers.