1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Prison Rules 1999 and how this legislation governs how prisons are run.

2. Analyse problem situations and apply Prison Service Orders (PSOs), Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) and Probation Instructions to provide appropriate solutions

3. Demonstrate knowledge about the duties and roles of prison staff when carrying out a disciplinary hearing (adjudication) if a prisoner is alleged to have broken prison rules.

4. Communicate the systems that are in place for protecting the public from offenders who are released into the community, particularly those who are assessed as high and very high risk of serious harm or where there are other issues of notoriety or public interest

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The assessment is a closed book two-hour examination that is designed to test the application of prison and probation orders and instructions by learners.

This is a computer-based single best answer multiple choice test with short problem-based questions. Learning Outcomes 1-4, weighted at 100%

Opportunities for formative assessment will be given on the module via VLE

The law relating to prisoners can appear complex, their rights depend on their status as remand or convicted prisoners, as adults or young offenders, this extends to their release into the community. Learners will gain a basic knowledge of the Prison Act 1952, the current Prison Rules which came in to force in 1999 and how regulations are made and developed. Learners will consider the implications of Prison Service Orders (PSOs) and Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) together with a consideration of Probation Instructions.

Tutors will facilitate learning about key area of the law and regulations that govern the offender’s progression with the criminal justice system specifically post sentence, the custodial setting, parole and release into the community. The learners will have an introduction and an opportunity to develop their knowledge about areas such as:


1: An introduction to prison law

2: Historical background

3: Prison Service Instructions and Orders (PSIs and PSOs),

4: Probation Instructions

5: Policy Frameworks.

6: Prison adjudications policy

7: Security of prisoners at court

8: Cell sharing risk assessments

9: Sharing information with the Parole Board

10. Critical Public Protection Cases (CPPCs)

11. Through the Gate.

You will study the law relating to prisoners as adults or young offenders and how this extends to their release into the community. You will gain a basic knowledge of the Prison Act 1952, the current Prison Rules and how regulations are made and developed. You will consider the implications of Prison Service Orders (PSOs) and Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) Probation Instructions and the Ministry of Justice Policy frameworks. This module is designed to provide you with an invaluable knowledge about the important rules that regulate the lives of offenders and service users. Tutors will facilitate learning about key area of the law and regulations that govern the offender’s progression with the criminal justice system specifically post sentence, the custodial setting, parole and release into the community.

The learning strategy for this module is based on you committing a total of 200 hours of activities, split between direct contact with a tutor and directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS

In these sessions, you are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Teaching materials, including the use of Microsoft 365 and Blackboard VLE platform. These sessions guide you towards consolidating your knowledge and understanding


SMALLER GROUP BLENDED SESSIONS

These are preceded by a period of independent learning. The module materials contain indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help you assess your understanding of a topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply the rules and regulations to factual situations. For all smaller group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among learners and between you and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted to encourage the development of essential skills such as legal research, communication, problem solving, case studies, referencing, doctrinal analysis of key authorities and the appropriate use of IT


DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, such as online tests, are provided to enable you to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within this area of criminological research. You are provided with guidance in your module materials, on Teams and Blackboard. Completion of the tasks encourages you to assess your progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage your time more effectively.

Owen, T. and Macdonald, A. (2015) Prison Law (5th edn) Oxford: OUP

https://prisons.org.uk/instructions-orders-policy-frameworks/

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/prison-related-offences-0

The Ministry of justice weblinks will provide up to date access to Prison Service Orders (PSOs) and Prison Service Instructions (PSIs) Probation Instructions and the ministry of Justice Policy frameworks. The Crown Prosecution Service online guidance provides comprehensive material on prison-related offences.