Victimology: Victims, Justice and the Law

• • • ‘Ideal victims’, inequality and justice.
  • • Victims in the media.
  • • Victimisation in the courtroom.
  • • Victims in custody and the #blacklivesmatter movement.
  • • Working with victims and survivors of trauma.
  • • Cyberbullying victims.
  • • Victims of state and corporate crime.

Others

Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed LST3VIC (Victimology: Victims, Justice and The Law) are ineligible to enrol in this subject. Pre-requisites: Students must be admitted into the following course: AB002O and have completed 15 credit points of LST coded subjects.

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Students will analyse the concept of 'victim' within domestic and international contexts, utilising practical and theoretical understandings of victimisation. Four key variables (gender, age, race and class) are investigated to expand student understandings of who and what constitutes an "ideal victim" within the media and the courtroom. The subject also examines the impact of victim's rights discourses in shaping traditional and alternative responses to crime and punishment. The concept of 'victim' will be further explored to consider the ways in which some groups might be victimised by the law, including Indigenous Australians, injured workers, and asylum seekers. Students will also deconstruct the concept of 'victimhood' and determine the extent to which it is useful in legal and social settings.

• One 1.5-hour exam (1000 words equivalent) Exam consisting of multiple choice and short answer sections. (30%)
• One 1,500-word research essay (35%)
• One written reflection (500 words) 500 word reflection on portrayals of victims in the media. (20%)
• Ten online quizzes (1000 words equivalent) 10 x 100 word equivalent quizzes throughout the semester. (15%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).