Module Descriptors
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR OFFENDER SERVICES
LAWS50929
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 5
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- MULTI-CHOICE TEST weighted at 50%
- ONLINE DISCUSSION weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Resources
Text books in Stafford College and Staffordshire University library
Moodle resources via internet connection and Stafford College website
Online resources via internet connection.
Moodle resources via internet connection and Stafford College website
Online resources via internet connection.
Module Indicative Content
This module considers the 'offenders journey' from first contact with the police (police powers), the court system (the role and remit of the courts) and sentencing. This module also considers how the interests of justice are balanced with the human rights of suspects during the investigation and court processes and the origin of laws that the police and courts seek to uphold.
The structure of the European and UK legal system
Sources of law; the difference between legislation, delegated legislation and common law, the legislative stages in Parliament and the role and remit of the court system.
Influences on Parliament
The Law Commission, Royal Commissions, Government policy, MPs, pressure groups, the media and Europe.
Police Powers
Powers to stop and search; powers of arrest; powers of detention and the treatment of suspects at the police station. Balance of individual rights and the need for investigative powers in the context of the Human Rights Act.
Sentencing
Aims of sentencing; purpose and effect of sentences; reoffending rates. An understanding of different types of sentences, e.g. custodial, community, fines, discharges and compensation orders.
The structure of the European and UK legal system
Sources of law; the difference between legislation, delegated legislation and common law, the legislative stages in Parliament and the role and remit of the court system.
Influences on Parliament
The Law Commission, Royal Commissions, Government policy, MPs, pressure groups, the media and Europe.
Police Powers
Powers to stop and search; powers of arrest; powers of detention and the treatment of suspects at the police station. Balance of individual rights and the need for investigative powers in the context of the Human Rights Act.
Sentencing
Aims of sentencing; purpose and effect of sentences; reoffending rates. An understanding of different types of sentences, e.g. custodial, community, fines, discharges and compensation orders.
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of class support and 126 hours of independent and self directed study.
The class sessions will delivered in 8 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content and the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The summative assessment will also be explained.
Students are expected to regularly engage material on Moodle. This will include reading and undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.
The class sessions will delivered in 8 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content and the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The summative assessment will also be explained.
Students are expected to regularly engage material on Moodle. This will include reading and undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Summative
1. A timed multiple choice test (MCT) (50%) (Learning Outcome 1) that examines:
- Sources of law;
- The legislative stages in Parliament;
- The role and remit of the court system;
- Influences on Parliament;
- Police Powers to stop and search; powers of arrest and powers of detention;
- The different types of sentences available to the courts.
2. Contribution to online debate on the following elements of the module (50%) (Learning Outcome 2-3):
- Balance of individual rights and the need for investigative powers in the context of the Human Rights Act;
- Aims of sentencing; purpose and effect of sentences.
Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials.
1. A timed multiple choice test (MCT) (50%) (Learning Outcome 1) that examines:
- Sources of law;
- The legislative stages in Parliament;
- The role and remit of the court system;
- Influences on Parliament;
- Police Powers to stop and search; powers of arrest and powers of detention;
- The different types of sentences available to the courts.
2. Contribution to online debate on the following elements of the module (50%) (Learning Outcome 2-3):
- Balance of individual rights and the need for investigative powers in the context of the Human Rights Act;
- Aims of sentencing; purpose and effect of sentences.
Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials.
Module Texts
Elliott, C. and Quinn, F. (2010) English Legal System (11th Ed.), London: Longman.