Global Reconstructions of Justice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Recent decades have seen a number of international and inter-regional initiatives aimed at nation-building, peacemaking, peacekeeping and the reconstruction of systems of law and justice in states emerging from colonial rule or de-federation, and/or under stress from internal conflict, adverse economic and environmental conditions or other debilitating factors. This subject provides a critical examination of the role of criminal justice reform within these broader initiatives. The subject examines efforts to reconstruct systems of law enforcement, adjudication and punishment, and assesses the nature and extent of criminological contributions to these efforts. Topics selected for detailed scrutiny will be drawn from a list which includes: the foundations and effectiveness of transformative justice programs; criminology and the idea of state modernisation; indigenous forms of conflict resolution and experiences with their integration into 'mainstream' criminal justice systems; RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands); policing and other justice reforms in post-Apartheid South Africa, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, East Timor or Papua New Guinea; the role of the United Nations in global and regional criminal justice through such structures as the Peacebuilding Commission and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime; and international criminal justice anti-corruption programs.

• To develop a broad understanding of the reasons for and practices of attempts to reconstruct systems of justice across the globe.
• To examine in detail examples of justice reconstruction programs drawn from near-neighbour, regional and other environments.
• To interrogate the strengths and weaknesses of reconstruction rationale and practice.
• To examine critically criminological contributions to reconstruction.

Written work totalling 5000 words, comprising a 1500 word essay (30%) due mid-semester, and a 3500 word research essay (70%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% 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.

A Subject Reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally.
• have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.