• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Module description

This module offers an introduction to the theoretical, conceptual, and historical framework in which to study criminology and the Criminal Justice System. You will develop an awareness of social diversity and inequalities within the Criminal Justice System. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials, in which there will be taught elements alongside small group discussions and debates. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessments developing your written and communication skills, and transferable skills. This module is suitable for non-specialist students, those on interdisciplinary pathways as there are no pre-requisites or co-requisites required.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to:

1. Introduce you to the Criminal Justice System and the study of crime
2. Provide you with a critical understanding of some of the key theoretical, conceptual and historical approached within criminology
3. Provide you with a basic understanding of the use, implications and ethics of the methodologies applied to practices, theories and the organisational of the Criminal Justice System.
4. Give you opportunities to engage with and analyse the representations of crime and responses to crime by the Criminal Justice System.
5. Train you to recognise and evaluate competing insights within Criminology and the Criminal Justice System

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and principles underpinning the basic structure of the Criminal Justice System and the relevant agencies.
• 2. Demonstrate an understanding of how official statistics are recorded, used, published and alternative sources of information.
• 3. Understand how the Criminal Justice System developed over time, (politics, individuals, pressure groups)
• 4. Identify and locate relevant materials and information in support of research;
• 5. Recognise the wider context of crime and the Criminal Justice System, and its implication on society

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate literature (theoretical and empirical investigations);
• 7. Conduct independent criminological research;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Argue rationally, concisely, in a logical structured way communicating information and ideas in written and oral form
• 9. Work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Syllabus plan

While the module’s precise content may vary year on year, it is envisioned that some or all of the following topics will be covered within the syllabus:

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Law & Order
• Philosophies of Punishment/Justice
• Policing
• Victims
• Offenders
• Courts and Sentencing
• Prisons and Penalties
• Issues for the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Gibson, B., & Cavadino, P. (2008) The Criminal Justice System: An Introduction

Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.

Munice, J., and Wilson, D. (eds). (2013) Student Handbook of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Waddington, PAJ. (1999) Policing Citizens.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Criminology, Criminal Justice, Crime