James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA4107 - Contemporary Issues in Justice and Criminal Law

Subject Description

This subject is designed for students seeking a complex understanding of the operation of the criminal law as a form of social control and is particularly suited for students intending to practise in the field of criminal law and allied fields. It explores theoretical and practical aspects of the criminal law and the criminal justice system. Specific issues will include Police powers and responsibilities; criminal law reform; fundamental concepts in the criminal law; youth justice; mental condition defences in the criminal law; and criminal procedure. The subject will be taught on a workshop basis and there is a heavy emphasis on self-directed student learning.

Learning Outcomes

• apply concepts of criminal law, including the elements and their application to specific criminal offenses
• critically analyse the criminal justice system, including police powers and responsibilities, criminal procedure, and the roles of various legal actors in the system
• analyse and identify the theoretical and practical aspects of criminal law that are used as a form of social control, including its historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts
• Evaluate criminal law reform proposals and their potential impact on the criminal justice system and society as a whole
• Critically evaluate Youth justice principles and the effectiveness of youth justice policies and practices

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (50%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Availabilities