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Police, Courts and Criminal Law
Undergraduate | GRF-CCJ12 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
Delve into the laws and processes which govern crime investigation, trials and punishment. Consider the principles of responsibility and the functions of criminal law. Examine investigations, suspects' rights, and the importance of admissible evidence.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Police, Courts and Criminal Law
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will have:
- Understanding of the aims and functions of criminal law and how it operates in the Australian criminal justice system.
- Knowledge about criminal responsibility, the elements of crimes and the classification of offences.
- Familiarity with the processes by which alleged offences are investigated, brought to trial, punished and ability to critically analyse the impact of criminal law processes on people affected by them.
- Knowledge of the powers, functions and ethical responsibilities of police and other investigators, prosecutors, defence lawyers and judges in both pre-trial and trial processes.
- Introducing the Criminal Law
- Understanding offences and offenders
- Defences
- Police powers I
- Police powers II
- Police Powers and Accountability
- Pre-Trial Processes
- The Criminal Trial
- Sentencing
- Appealing Court Decisions
- Justice and Injustice
- Review and conclusion
Police Courts and Criminal Law explains the law and procedural processes which govern the way crimes are investigated, tried and punished in Australia. It begins by considering some general principles of criminal responsibility such as the aims and functions of the criminal law and its sources. The legal principles guiding police investigations are examined, including police powers and responsibilities, the rights of suspects, and the importance of obtaining reliable and admissible evidence. Finally, students learn about the ways cases can progress through the court system, from initial charge to final sentence. The subject focuses primarily on the Queensland criminal justice system. Other jurisdictions are examined in passing, and general principles are common to all Australian systems.
- Court report (40%)
- Invigilated Exam (40%)
- Online Quizzes (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
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Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
GRF-CCJ17 (Not currently available)
Others
Students who have completed more than 2 OUA units (GPA 4.0+) and are planning on completing the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice are strongly encouraged to enrol in the course. Part of this process will involve registering your study plan with Griffith University, which will help to ensure that you are studying the required units.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students are required to attend a court session to complete the court report assessment.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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