This module will appeal to students seeking an in-depth and critical knowledge of the law, policy and practice of key aspects of the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
The module will begin with an overview of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The importance of the presumption of innocence and the defendant's right to a fair trial will also be addressed.
The significance of the political context in the development of criminal justice policy, and recent trends and themes in criminal justice policy will be examined. This overview will link to later discussions on the particular aspects of the criminal process explored. Specific aspects of the criminal process, ranging from pre-trial to post-trial stage, will then be examined in-depth.
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of key aspects of the criminal justice process in England and Wales, including a critical awareness of current debates on these topics
- Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and evaluate differing opinions on the law, policy and practice of the criminal process
- Formulate independent judgments
- Provide reasoned arguments through review, reflection and evaluation of academic writings and other research-based evidence
- To present these arguments in a coherent manner, both orally and in writing
- Module Supervisor: Karen Brennan
- Module Supervisor: Simon Cooper