This module traces the way in which criminal justice and criminal justice policy have become increasingly politicised in recent years. It utilises topics such as terrorism, dangerous offenders, penology and capital punishment to highlight the interaction between popular opinion, research, policy formation and the criminalisation of particular groups within society. The module will analyse the manner in which crime has become such an important issue on the political agenda, as well as examining the important role that pressure groups (such as NACRO and the Howard League for Penal Reform) have played in mediating political rhetoric and policy.
Total Contact Hours: 44
Private Study Hours: 256
Total study hours:- 300
Optional module to BA (Hons) Criminal Justice & Criminology BSc (Hons) Social Sciences (Medway)
Main assessment methods
Essay - 2,500 essay: 50%
Exam – three hours: 50%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
Annison, H. (2015) Dangerous Politics: Risk, Political Vulnerability and Penal Policy Oxford: Clarendon Press
Barton, A. and Johns, N. (2012) The Policy Making Process in the Criminal Justice System London: Routledge
Hobbs, S. and Hamerton, C. (2014) The Making of Criminal Justice Policy London: Routledge
Jones, T. and Newburn, T. (2007) Policy Transfer and Criminal Justice Maidenhead: Open University Press
Newburn, T. and Rock, P. (eds.) (2006) The Politics of Crime Control Oxford: Oxford University Press
Pratt, J. (2007) Penal Populism. London: Routledge
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Critically assess how and why crime has become such an important issue on the political agenda
8.2 Understand and critically analyse different political perspectives on criminal justice
8.3 Analyse the implications of political agendas for criminal justice policy making
8.4 Critically analyse the criminal justice policy making process
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate skills in written communication, utilising research, empirical data and information technology
9.2 Apply critical judgement to problems and debates
9.3 Independently access a range of suitable library and web-based resources for final year study and make judgements about the merits of the material obtained
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