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:
- 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; and
- present the outcomes of research in both oral and written formats.
Indicative Assessment
- Semester-based Offering (13 weeks) (null) [LO null]
- Class participation (including online) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Quiz (10) [LO 1,2,4]
- Court report (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,3,4]
- Take-home exam (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Semester length delivery - 130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact: 24 hours of seminars and 12 hours of workshops; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing. Intensive delivery - 130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 40 hours of contact over 12 weeks: workshops and field trip activities delivered intensively over 6 days in a 2 week period; and b) 90 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
nil
Preliminary Reading
TBC on Wattle
Assumed Knowledge
This course is taught assuming students have some basic understanding of sociology and criminology.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3180 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4890 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3678 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |
