NS5361 - The Law, Social Policy and the Mentally Ill Offender

Credit points:	03
Year:	2008
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Discipline of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

The relationship between social policy, the law and human rights as it affects mentally ill offenders. Criminal and mental health legislation, the legal process, alternative sentencing options. Mental illness as a legal defence, as a mitigating factor and as grounds for diversion out of the sentencing process, including the role of expert witnesses. Mental Health Review Tribunals, the Mental Health Court and other agencies involved in managing mentally ill offenders.

Learning Outcomes

• to give an account of criminal and mental health legislation and the legal process in Australia and other countries;
• to give an account of custodial and correctional systems;
• to give an account of the role of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, the Mental Health Court and other agencies involved in the legal framework for managing mentally ill offenders;
• to outline the relationship between social policy, the law and human rights as it affects mentally ill offenders;
• to understand the significance of mental disorder as a factor in the disposal of offenders, including alternative sentencing options and describe the role of expert witnesses and testimony.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 04-Apr-2008
Coordinator:	Professor Colin Holmes
Method of Delivery:	and WWW - LearnJCUPrinted materials
Assessment:	assignments.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.