Overview

This module examines the criminal justice system focusing on the role of punishment and the use of different approaches to crime control. In this module students will consider different aspects of punishment and the critically analyse who in society is punished and in what way. The study of punishment offers several interesting questions and debates regarding the different ways crime is punished. Students will be assessed via essay and video presentation tasks.

Punishment stands out as one of the most stringent and invasive actions systematically taken by states against their own citizens. The lives of individuals are fundamentally changed, often for the worse, through criminal punishment, and this transformation comes at a significant cost. The question arises: What, if any, reasons could justify this harsh and expensive endeavour? To what degree are our punitive methods influenced by concepts of responsibility, and how valid are these notions of responsibility? Furthermore, what should be the extent of the criminal law, and which behaviours merit criminalization?

Upon completion of the module, students are expected to comprehend the primary theories surrounding criminal responsibility and punishment. They should possess the capability to construct well-developed and sophisticated arguments pertaining to crime and punishment. The acquisition of understanding will be fostered through engaging in critical reading, active debate, and thoughtful discussion.

1. Exploring the Concepts of punishment and social control. Students will examine the external and internal social controls deviance and how the punishment process figures into this model.
2. Examining the Scope of Crime and Deviance In relation to punishment we will analyse who goes to prison and what offences receive the most punishment. Analysing crime data we will look at the patterns of imprisonment in different societies
3. Crimes Committed by the Powerful This module will also consider how power in society influences the perception of crime and the need to punish. Particular attention will be paid to issues such as state and corporate crime.
4. Delving into Punishment To underscore the pivotal role of punishment in the criminal justice system, this section explores the meaning and application of punishment. Why do we administer punishment? What objectives do we aim to accomplish through punitive measures? Does punishment serve as an effective deterrent?

Assessment Strategy

Essays and coursework will be assessed on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student’s ability to summarise and critically analyse key issues and topics.

Excellent work A- and above = Significant critical analysis of relevant theory discussed in the module Use of academic texts (including the texts suggested in class + other you have found) Use of academic journal articles that a) show theory in practice b) present a critique of the theory Use of real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on critique of academic work and good use of citation and quotation

Good work C+ to B+ = Some critical analysis of relevant theory, Use of academic texts (The texts suggested in class) Use of real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on critique of academic books and good use of citation and quotation

Passable work D- to C = Very little critical analysis of relevant theory, Use of academic texts (The texts I suggest) Heavy reliance on real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on a little academic work and a lot of media or web based resources some use of citation and quotation

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse current research and literature on the use of imprisonment and detention in different parts of the world

• Critically analyse definitions of crime, deviance, and punishment by employing flexible collaboration and visual representations of essential concepts and perspectives within a historical context.

• Critically evaluate the prevalence of crime and scrutinize the reliability and validity of official crime statistics in relation to rates of punishment and detention

• Investigate and analyse the obscured aspects of crime, challenging prevalent notions and representations of criminality. This involves exploring crimes committed by both powerful and less powerful groups and individuals and their punishment.