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This module will enable students to study the key issues of the Criminal Justice System with particular emphasis on how the system deals with both adult and young offenders. It will follow the process from the powers of the police to stop and search, arrest and detain suspects through to the criminal court system and sentencing. The role of custodial and non-custodial sentences (including an explanation of the courts where they are administered) will be examined. The responsibilities of the Prison Service in the punishment of offenders. The module will also consider the links between anti-social behaviour in the young and offending in later life. The role of the Probation Service in the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders will be considered.

The module will cover elements of:
- The Court Structure (including their powers for sentencing)
- Police Powers
- Dangerous offenders
- The treatment of ethnic minorities, women, the mentally ill
- Terrorism offences
- Sentencing adults and young offenders
- The aims of sentencing
- The role of the Prison and Probation Services

The assessment for this module will consist of a 2,000 word assignment (100%) The assignment will focus on aspects of offending, sentencing and the custody of offenders. (Learning Outcomes 1-3)

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.

Elliott, C. and Quinn, F. (2010) English Legal System Longman
Horn, P. (2010) Young Offenders Amberley Publishing
Arthur, R. (2010) Young Offenders and the Law: How the Law Responds to Youth Offending Routledge
Police & Criminal Evidence Act (1984), HMSO