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CRIM13-315: Miscarriages of Justice

Description

While there is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of trials produce justified convictions or acquittals, there have been a number of high profile cases where the conclusions are questionable or where decisions have been overturned. This subject examines some of those high profile cases to decipher the systemic causes of such failures through an understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system. This subject also addresses the roles of investigators, the media, forensic science, expert witnesses, lawyers, juries, eyewitness testimony and the appeals process to determine how these may impact on cases of injustice. On completion of this subject you will have a thorough understanding of the main causal factors for miscarriages of justice worldwide and will be apprised of the possible remedies. Contemporary responses to miscarriages of justice is also covered, such as the Innocence Project in the US and the UK Criminal Case Review Commission.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: CRIM13-315
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • May 2024 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $4,050.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $4,260.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $4,460.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,400.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $5,730.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,990.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system through an analysis of miscarriage cases.
  2. Analyse and evaluate the theoretical and practical reasons why miscarriages occur.
  3. Demonstrate skills in critically analysing possible cases of miscarriage of justice.
  4. Evaluate how the criminal justice system can be improved in order to reduce miscarriages of justice.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions:

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 17/03/2024
    Semester start: 13/05/2024
    Subject start: 13/05/2024
    Cancellation 1: 27/05/2024
    Cancellation 2: 03/06/2024
    Last enrolment: 26/05/2024
    Withdraw - Financial: 08/06/2024
    Withdraw - Academic: 29/06/2024
    Teaching census: 07/06/2024
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 17/03/2024
Semester start: 13/05/2024
Subject start: 13/05/2024
Cancellation 1: 27/05/2024
Cancellation 2: 03/06/2024
Last enrolment: 26/05/2024
Withdraw - Financial: 08/06/2024
Withdraw - Academic: 29/06/2024
Teaching census: 07/06/2024