Understanding the Criminal Justice System (L3112)
15 credits, Level 4
Spring teaching
On this module, you’ll explore the criminal justice system. You’ll focus 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 and community justice.
You’ll examine modern debates, including:
- race and crime
- gender
- power and punishment
- issues of overpolicing and criminalisation
- youth justice and crime prevention.
You’ll also understand and compare the British justice system in relation to international systems.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.
We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Courses
This module is offered on the following courses: