2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
LAW5358M Criminal Justice Processes
30 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Alex Batesmith
Email: A.Batesmith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Module replaces
LAW5010 Criminal Justice ProcessesThis 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 |
Workshop | 12 | 2.00 | 24.00 |
Seminar | 16 | 1.50 | 24.00 |
Private study hours | 252.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 48.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will be offered the opportunity to submit (i) a single draft annotation of 200 words and (ii) a formative 1,000-word essay and plan in preparation for the summative assessments. Feedback provided will cover referencing, writing style, structure, and proposed plan. Students can follow up and request further feedback in staff academic support hours.The seminars will be used to discuss key aspects, issues and stages of the criminal justice process drawing on the readings, lectures and directed learning tasks completed in advance of each seminar. These will provide formative feedback opportunities in terms of understanding.
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 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 21/09/2022
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