The Crime and Criminal Justice module aims to critically evaluate the institutions and operation of the criminal Irish justice system in comparative perspective. The module aims to introduce students to the main approaches and theories in the field of crime and criminal justice studies, and the mechanisms by which the criminal justice system responds to the incidence of crime. The module also examines the influence of the media influence on public attitudes towards crime, criminal justice processes and sentencing, criminal justice policy making, reform and anti-crime initiatives.

Historical development of the criminal justice system. Models of criminal justice: due process versus crime control. Criminal justice values and policies. Human rights and the criminal justice system. The making of criminal justice policy: the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; the National Crime Council; the Law Reform Commission; the role of Non-governmental Bodies. The influence of European institutions on the Irish criminal justice process. Influence of the media on the criminal justice process and policy implementation. Diversion from the criminal justice system including Garda cautions and prosecutorial discretion. Alternative processes in the criminal justice system: restorative justice; the Drugs Court. The juvenile justice system. Penal policy and rationales for sentencing. Sentence management and the treatment of offenders; conditions of imprisonment; scrutiny of the prison system including judicial review and visiting committees; the Inspector of Prisons and Place of Detention. The adoption of civil mechanisms in the criminal justice system: seizure of criminal assets and other proceeds of crime; anti-social behaviour orders.

Apply theoretical perspectives and concepts of crime and criminal justice to concrete examples. Make reasoned judgements and demonstrate a capacity for independent thinking. Demonstrate an ability to synthesise information provided during teaching, and through students own study and research activities. Comprehend recent and key changes in the criminal justice system that affect the way in which criminal justice agencies carry out their respective functions. Understand the complex relationship between the different agencies in the criminal justice system. Analyse the different theoretical perspectives to crime and criminal justice. Analyse the power of media representations of crime and criminal justice. Demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of research methods used to assess public understanding of the problem of crime. Demonstrate awareness of recent and current crime trends as recorded officially by government agencies. Gather, retrieve and synthesise information from a number of different sources in order to understand the complexities of the relationship between crime and the response of the criminal justice system. Access and utilise a variety of research resources on different aspects of the relationship between the different agencies in the criminal justice system. Analyse critically the medias role in representing crime and criminal justice. Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to the key agents in the criminal justice system. Demonstrate an understanding of the key models used to account for the criminal justice system. Demonstrate the ability for accurate reading and clear written communication.

Show self reliance and the ability to manage time and work to deadlines. Show confidence in the presentation of arguments and ideas (in both seminar sessions and assessed work) as they pertain to the criminal justice system.

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