Critical Criminal Law

Subject 191-221 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures per week, and a 1-hour tutorial for 10 weeks of the semester
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of Level 1 Criminology
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Alison Young

Contact

Prof. Alison Young
ayoung@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: Criminal law has a central importance in criminology, since it is the criminal law which determines the legality or illegality of behaviours. This subject studies criminal law as it governs court processes and selected offences within Victoria. The first section of the course covers the institutions and practices of criminal law, with particular emphasis on courts and criminal responsibility. The second section focuses on substantive offences in criminal law: sexual assault and sexual offences; non-fatal violent offences; the law relating to homicide; and criminal defences. Issues of gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation are raised. Students completing the subject should be able to understand the structure of criminal law, appreciate the forms and meanings of legal discourse, identify ways in which criminal law responds to social problems, and conduct research on criminal legal matters.
Objectives:
  • receive an introduction to methods of reading legal materials;
  • be able to describe and analyse ways of regulating crime through criminal law;
  • understand the workings of the institutions and practices of criminal law;
  • be able to explain the role and construction of gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity in the criminal law;
Assessment: An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a take-home examination of 2000 words of written answers 50% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;
  • have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally;
  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively;
  • have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
Notes:

Formerly available as 191-005 and 191-221. Students who have completed 191-005 or 191-221 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Graduate Certificate in Criminology
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Socio-legal Studies Major

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