CM1S017 - Inside the criminal justice system 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: CM1S017
Module Title: Inside the criminal justice system
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Criminology
Module Leader: Marian Buhociu
Module Team: Helen Martin, Daniel Welch, Candice Arthur, Kirsty Richards, Janine Vickery
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The module aims to introduce students to the Criminal Justice System of England and Wales by outlining the role of criminal justice institutions in the various stages of the criminal justice process.

Content Summary

Introduction to the legal system of England and Wales:

  • What is crime;

  • Official reporting of crime statistics.

  • Nature and functions of Criminal Law

  • Mapping of Criminal Justice agencies

  • Court processes and procedures

  • The structure of the judicial system

  • Highlighting critical issues regarding the institutions and processes involved at each step: from arrest to the pre-court stage, following on to court, custody, and release/parole.

  • The role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Police, Courts, Probation, and Prison Service.

  • Charging options available to the Police and CPS.

  • Sentencing guidelines and options available to the Court.

  • Out of court disposals and Prosecution Courts system and Personnel

  • Juries and Sentencing

  • Sentencing philosophy

  • Sentencing framework and key legislation

 

The module will also cover content on the following topics:

  • Criminal Justice Models

  • Inside the police station: Rights of suspects in detention and appropriate adults

  • Criminal conduct

  • Community sentences and Probation custodial sentences and prison 

  • Introduction to how Legislation is created in England and Wales

  • Early release, parole and resettlement

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 84
Directed Study 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative and Criminal Justice System within England and Wales.
LO2 Describe the role of criminal justice institutions in various stages of the criminal process.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 An exam, administered within the timetabled teaching session - takes place under controlled conditions. 90 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1

Reading List

Campbell, L., Ashworth, A. and Redmayne, M. (2019) The criminal process. Fifth edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Hackman, S.L (2019) The Expert Witness, Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice Systems of the UK. Oxford: CRC Press.

Hutton, G & McKinnon G. (2018). Blackstone's Police Manual 2018: Volume 4: General Police Duties. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Johnstone, D & Hutton, G. (2018). Blackstone's Police Manual 2018: Volume 2: Evidence and procedure. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Martin, T. (2015). Unlocking Criminal Law. 5th ed. Abingdon: Routledge. 

McAlhone, C., and Wortley, N. (2016). Criminal Law: The Fundamental. 4th Ed. London: Sweet & Maxwell.

Rogers, C. (2020) Policing Structures. London: Routledge