To provide an introduction to the main institutions of criminal justice To explore and reflect critically on key concepts and debates about criminal justice responses to crime and victimisation To raise awareness about how crime and victimisation are constructed in by agents and practices of crime control   An appreciation of the range of responses to crime and deviance and an ability to interpret the values and practices of the agencies which administer them.

(LO1) Familiarity with key institutions of the criminal justice system, their roles and context (historical/social).

(LO2) An understanding of relevant criminal justice concepts, debates and approaches and be able to employ these to reflect critically on criminal justice institutions.

(LO3) Discuss the social and historical origins and development of the main institutions of crime and justice alongside new and emergent forms of crime control including the police, courts, and policy measures.

(LO4) Critically evaluate how contemporary and alternative criminological and sociological theories can explain distinct modes of enquiry such as offending, deviance, and victimisation and the ways in which these are socially constructed and contested terms.

(S1) Identify, summarise and comment upon different ways of approaching criminal justice subject matter.

(S2) Outline key strengths and weaknesses of criminal justice concepts, theories and evidence

(S3) Organise and articulate ideas/arguments both in the assessed essay and in informed contributions to discussions about the criminal justice system.

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

- What is ‘criminal justice’? 
- What is ‘social control’? 
- Historical origins of the concept of crime 
- The origins of the British police 
- Contemporary policing 
- Introduction to crime prevention 
- Criminal courts: aims, processes and outcomes
- Understanding imprisonment 
- Restorative justice and 'diversion' 
- Victims and the criminal justice process 
- Towards an international justice system? 
- Module review, conclusion and assessment guidance

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: The lectures are designed to give you a broad introduction to key areas and debates; they are intended to facilitate your reading and to highlight issues that should be explored in your ‘out of class’ study time and in the seminars.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The seminars are designed to explore particular issues and debates in more detail than can be achieved during lectures; they will enable you to clarify and develop your understanding of your reading; and provide important opportunities to ensure your preparedness for the assessment.