Sociology and Criminology

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

Module code: L3112
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

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.

Module learning outcomes

• Describe the key aspects of the criminal justice justice and their historical development.
• Understand the functions of the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary debates and concerns surrounding the criminal justice system.
• Be confident evaluating classic texts, policy documents and papers.