Judging Crime

Subject CRIM90009 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Not offered in 2011
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Criminology at Undergraduate level
Non Allowed Subjects: 191-541 Judging Crime
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

Dr. Austin Lovegrove stanleyl@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject is about the punishment of offenders. It examines how judges decide what sentences should be imposed on offenders. This is partly determined by sentencing law and partly by the judges" own sense of justice. public opinion also plays a role. This course discusses what sentences ought to be imposed in the interests of justice. What is considered right will depend on what it is hoped to be achieved by imposing the sanctions, such as deterrence as against rehabilitation. also relevant is what makes a case more or less serious. There are also the perennial sentencing problems - inadequate law, disparity between judges, and a community poorly informed about sentencing. And certain groups are said to pose special problems: indigenous offenders, drug offenders, female offenders, for example. Finally this subject examines research in sentencing particularly in relation to public opinion, deterrence and rehabilitation. As a result of this course, students should understand the main elements of the sentencing process, be able to identify problematic aspects of sentencing, and have a foundation for proposing solutions to these problems.
Objectives:
  • be able to understand the operation of the Victorian sentencing system.
  • be able to examine research relevant to the operation of the sentencing system.
  • be able to develop a critical approach to the understanding of sentencing.
Assessment: An essay of 5000 words (100%) due 4 weeks after the end of the intenisve period.
Prescribed Texts:

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have highly developed cognitive, analytic and problem-solving skills.
  • have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally.
  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
  • have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
Notes:
Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Socio-Legal studies
Socio-legal Studies

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