Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3168: Criminal Justice and Evidence

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are:

  • To provide you with a structure to enable you to critically examine criminal justice processes in England and Wales.
  • To enable you to understand a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of criminal justice processes and to make judgements about the ethical issues and values involved.
  • To instil an appreciation of the variety of issues raised by the study of criminal justice processes, and the complexity of those issues particularly in respect of the extent to which they may interrelate.
  • To develop your ability to understand both the variety of principles applicable to criminal justice issues, and to be able to critically assess both existing processes and proposals for change, having regard to existing knowledge and research findings.
  • To provide you with a variety of opportunities to fulfil the above aims, and to demonstrate knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches, principles and laws and the ability to apply them to particular aspects of criminal justice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches, principles and laws as they relate to criminal justice
2. Critically evaluate a variety of criminal justice processes effectively and independently, both as they exist and in relation to proposals for reform
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Understand the relationship between legal rules and their implementation in practice as revealed by relevant research, and the limitations of law in regulating social action
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the complex interrelationship between different justice processes and phenomena
Personal and Key Skills5. Conduct appropriate research in relation to specific criminal justice issues
6. Produce a structured, coherent and concise argument, using communication methods appropriate to the discipline
7. Work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.