2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5358M Criminal Justice Processes

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Anna Barker
Email: A.C.H.Barker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

LAW5010 Criminal Justice Processes

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the operation of the criminal justice process, and the theoretical perspectives and approaches that inform it. The stages of the criminal process and the roles of key criminal justice agencies are analysed from the point at which a suspect is identified through the process by which suspects may be charged, prosecuted, tried and sentenced as well as the role of prison and probation services. The focus is on the criminal justice process of England and Wales, although other jurisdictions are also considered to aid comparison. The criminal justice process is analysed in the context of wider political, social, cultural and economic developments, key issues and trends.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Understand how the criminal justice process in England and Wales operates in practice and theoretical perspectives that informs it;
2. Critically examine key aspects and stages of the criminal justice process and the role of criminal justice agencies in the process;
3. Explore key issues and trends in the criminal justice process and aspects of comparison with other jurisdictions.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Critically analyse key aspects, issues and stages of the criminal justice process in England and Wales, recognising wider social, political, cultural and economic developments that influence the criminal justice process.
2. Utilise criminal justice research evidence and contemporary scholarship to develop effective written arguments.
3. Concisely summarise and draw relevance from selected criminal justice academic and policy sources and present this in the form of an annotated bibliography.

Syllabus

1. Introduction and Module Overview
2. Contextualising and Theorising the Criminal Justice Process
3. Policing and the criminal justice process
4. Prosecution and defence
5. Criminal and appellate courts
6. Criminal Trial processes
7. Punishment and sentencing
8. Prison services and imprisonment
9. Probation services and managing offenders in the community
10. Module Review and Assessment Advice
*Specific content covered in the syllabus is subject to change, contingent upon knowledge/research interests of teaching staff

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	12	1.00	12.00
Directed Study	5	1.00	5.00
Seminars	10	1.50	15.00
Lecture	7	1.00	7.00
Private study hours			261.00
Total Contact hours			39.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Lecture hours – 20 x 20 minute pre recorded lectures (i.e 2 lectures for each seminar rounded up to 45 mins) and 20 x 15 minute directed tasks (2 for each seminar)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A formative assessment opportunity will be provided.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	4,000 word essay	70.00
Assignment	1,000 word annotated bibliography	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students must attempt both components of assessment and attain an overall grade of 50% or more to pass the module. Should a student fail one of the components (i.e., attain a grade of 49% or less for it) then they will not be required to re-sit it provided that they have attained a grade of 50% or more when their weighted scores in both components are added together.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/12/2023

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