This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module seeks to provide the student with a critical appreciation of the key debates and controversies in contemporary criminal justice. While England and Wales is the focus of study, throughout the module comparisons will be made with other jurisdictions to provide deeper insights. The module will provide a grounding in the relevant theories, which will then be applied in analysing the institutions of criminal justice.
Total contact hours: 20
Private study hours: 180
Total study hours: 200
LLM in (Specialisation); LLM in Law; PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law
Main assessment methods
100% coursework, comprising, either:
An Essay, 5000 words (100%)
An Essay, 4000 words (80%) and individual presentation, approx. 10 minutes (20%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment instrument: 100% coursework
Ashworth A. & M. Redmayne, The Criminal Process (most recent edition)
Hall, S. et al. Policing the Crisis (2nd Ed, Macmillan 2013)
Lacey, N, Reconstructing the Criminal Law (most recent edition)
McBarnet, D. Conviction: law, the state and the construction of justice (Macmillan 1981)
Padfield N., Text and Materials on the Criminal Justice Process (most recent edition)
Sanders, A., R. Young & M. Burton, Criminal Justice (most recent edition)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Critically engage with sources to analyse key debates in criminal justice.
2. Demonstrate a systematic awareness and understanding of the main theoretical perspectives on contemporary criminal justice
3. Critically examine the complex relationship between law and criminal justice.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the different agencies involved in the criminal justice system.
5. Critically apply the theoretical and legal perspectives explored on the module to demonstrate deeper insights into the operation of the
modern criminal justice system.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Critically present relevant knowledge and understanding in the form of reasoned argument in written assessment.
2. Critically identify and evaluate complex legal and policy problems according to their social, political and legal context.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive ability to carry out independent further research from a variety of sources informing a sustained and
detailed argument.
4. Critically summarise detailed theoretical and legal material, analysing and critically evaluating different positions that arise in the literature
surveyed.
Stage 1
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