Sentencing and Corrections (9803.1)

This unit will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in Australian sentencing and corrections in their legal, social and political context. Students will learn about the purposes and principles of punishment, sentencing factors, and the range of sentencing options available. Contemporary corrections will be explored, including community corrections, changes in the use of prison, programs for prisoners, parole and recidivism. The unit will consider the needs of special groups, including women, juveniles and Indigenous offenders. The issues associated with offenders' physical and mental health will also be discussed. Specific topics may include: mandatory sentencing, the role of public opinion, justice reinvestment, prison privatisation, deaths in custody and victims' and prisoners' rights. The subject adopts a criminological approach, drawing on and critiquing empirical studies and administrative data. This unit will be co-taught with Sentencing and Corrections PG, 9805.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Explain the scope and dimensions of the topic area, including: a. the purposes and principles of punishment; b. the range of sentencing options available and the key issues associated with these options; and c. the needs of specific groups, such as women, juveniles and Indigenous offenders.
2. Analyse the individual, social, cultural and political impacts of attempts to address offending and contribute to informed policy debate about punishment in Australia;
3. Undertake high-quality research, including identifying and critically evaluating the relevant literature;
4. Communicate ideas and information appropriately for academic or professional audiences in written and oral forms;
5. Work effectively alone or in groups; and
6. Apply professional standards in discussion and exhibit ethical and responsible values.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings

Prerequisites

7025, Criminal Law and Procedure or 9015, Criminal Process or relevant work experience.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

NONE.

Equivalent units

NO.

Assumed knowledge

Understanding of the criminal justice system.