Critical Criminal Law

Subject CRIM20002 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. 2 x one hour lectures and 1 x one hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Criminology at Level 1
Non Allowed Subjects: 191-221 Critical Criminal Law
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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 (50%) due during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
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:

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Socio-legal Studies Major

Download PDF version.