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Unit Overview

Description

This unit gives students the opportunity to examine and analyse aspects of the criminal process including the role of the DPP, the search, seizure and arrest powers of police, and the sentencing of convicted persons. It also includes a focus on select topics in criminal justice which may vary from year to year. These topics include the experience of Indigenous Peoples and children in the criminal justice system as well as miscarriages of justice and corporate crime. The unit includes a session on criminological perspectives to assist students in interrogating the causes of crime, and responses to criminal behaviour. The unit emphasises the importance of critiquing criminal law as a system, and therefore builds upon the knowledge which students gain in the core unit of Criminal Law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) interrogate the criminal justice system by reference to the interrelationship between different aspects of the system and the way in which the system disproportionately impacts on certain societal cohorts; (2) appreciate different theoretical approaches to criminal law, and the role that criminology plays in understanding the causes of crime and responses to criminal behaviour; (3) evaluate the legislation and case law in connection with the particular topics explored, and the gaps and inconsistencies in the way in which criminal law applies to particular circumstances and behaviours; and (4) demonstrate an ability and willingness to participate in class discussion as a way of interrogating the operation of the criminal justice system, particularly in connection with its systematic disproportionate impacts.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) exam; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Meredith Blake
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property Law
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and
LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Legal Interpretation
Contact hours
Up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.