CR4016 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

What will I learn on this module?

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) comprises those institutions and agencies that are collectively responsible for managing a state’s response to crime and disorder. This module introduces the key agencies of the CJS in England and Wales. The aim is to understand the historical development of the CJS, what the agencies of the CJS do, and the constraints that they operate under. The focus will be on the history, role and function of the police service, prosecutors, courts, prisons, parole, youth justice, the probation service, and other relevant agencies. For example, students will learn about the early models of policing in Britain and its former colonies and the historical developments that led to the birth of the modern police force, before focusing on the role and function of the police and how the police role is perceived in the media and in popular imagination. Similarly, students will explore the role and emergence of the prison estate in England and Wales, considering how prisons have been designed and managed over time, the impact on prisoners and offenders of policy changes over the last 50 years, and how news about the state of prisons is communicated to the ‘outside’ world.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures are used to convey core theoretical and substantive material, while seminars are designed to reinforce this knowledge via student-led discussions and additional case study materials. You will also be required to do some directed and independent study. Directed study generally takes the form of preparation for seminars (e.g. reading academic material or preparing written work) so that you can engage in informed discussions with your seminar group. Independent learning generally involves one or more of the following activities: consolidating your lecture and seminar material; engaging in further reading and study; and revising/preparing for the module assessments.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This is a team-taught module, with two or three staff members available to support you via lectures, seminars, scheduled tutorial hours and via email and the electronic learning portal. There is also substantial support from your fellow students during seminars and outside of class. Your academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the newly emerging academic literature and by debating with your peers and academic tutors about your understanding of the literature.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Awareness of the historical development of different elements of the criminal justice system, showing how their development reflects different theories and perspectives and changing social, economic and political contexts.
2. Awareness of the functions and challenges facing key criminal justice agencies.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Independent study skills, including the ability to search, critically read, synthesise and analyse a range of sources of information.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Sufficient knowledge and confidence to form, present and defend a view on key criminal justice debates.

How will I be assessed?

There will be two elements to the summative assessment on this module:

1. A 2,000-word essay critically analysing the academic literature on the historical development, role and function of a key criminal justice agency in England and Wales (70%).

2. Online Assessment to test knowledge and awareness of criminal justice agencies and other module content. There will be 1 x 40-question online multiple-choice test (30%).

Both assessments address all MLOs.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module introduces students to the key agencies of the CJS in England and Wales. The aim is to understand the historical development and current function of key criminal justice agencies whilst being aware of the constraints that they operate under. The module will explore the connection between political economy and criminal justice, enabling students to appreciate the ways in which criminal justice is shaped by, and responds to, broader socio-economic and political contexts.

Course info

UCAS Code Z006

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

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If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

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Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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