Australian courts represent a fundamental pillar of the criminal justice system. Understanding their role and responsibilities is important for students studying criminology, sociology, law and public policy. In this course, students will be introduced to the key issues and principles which govern the administration of justice, particularly as this relates to the important role of courts within the wider criminal justice system. Both historical and contemporary issues will be explored, including a key focus on recent innovations as the judicial system attempts to become more responsive to the multiplicity of needs within the offender population. Wherever possible, this course is complemented with field visits to the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts, as well as the High Court of Australia.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Source and evaluate information and data about the role and function of courts in Australia.
- Chart the history of innovation in court practice in Australia and its connection to the development of criminal justice policy.
- Apply both theory and research to critically evaluate the role and function of courts in Australia.
- Present the outcomes of research in both oral and written formats.
Indicative Assessment
Semester-based Offering (13 weeks)Tutorial participation (10%) (LO 1, 2 & 4)
Online reflection via Wattle (10%) (LO 2, 3 & 4)
Field report and tutorial presentation (1000 words and 10 minutes) (20%) (LO 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Minor Essay (1500 words) (30%) (LO 1, 3 & 4)
Examination (2 hours) (30%) (LO 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Intensive Offering
Tutorial participation (10%) (LO 1, 2 & 4)
Online reflection via Wattle (10%) (LO 2, 3 & 4)
Major Essay (2500 words) (40%) (LO 1, 3 & 4)
Take Home Examination (5 days, 1500 words) (40%) (LO 1, 2, 3 & 4)
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Workload
Semester-based Offering (13 weeks)One 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial each week for 13 weeks. Students are expected to commit a further 7 hours of independent study each teaching week over the semester (total of 130 hours).
Intensive Offering
The teaching for this course will be conducted over 6 days in a two week period, and consists of classes or field-trip activities to the equivalent of 40 hours. Students are expected to commit a further 90 hours of independent study towards class preparation and the completion of assessment items (total of 130 hours).
Requisite and Incompatibility
Assumed Knowledge
This course is taught assuming students have some basic understanding of sociology and criminology.Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.