LAWPUBL 420 : Advanced Criminal Law

Law

2021 Semester One (1213) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An examination of selected topics in criminal law and the criminal justice process of Aotearoa New Zealand, with comparison to developments in other jurisdictions. Topics may include: victims and the criminal process; restorative justice; therapeutic jurisprudence; solution-focused courts; family violence; indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system; media and crime; and imprisonment. The focus is on law-in-action and law-in-context.

Course Overview

This course is for students wishing to undertake an in-depth examination of selected topics in the criminal justice system of Aotearoa New Zealand. The course begins by exploring the meanings and constructions of crime, the purposes of the criminal justice system, and the extent to which the criminal justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand is fit for purpose. The remainder of the course examines and evaluates selected topics, which may include: indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system; family violence, intimate partner violence and the criminal law; the purpose of punishment and use of imprisonment; victims and the criminal process; restorative justice; therapeutic jurisprudence; and The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts and other solution-focused courts. The focus adopted in the course is on ‘law-in- action’ and ‘law-in-context’. The course will encourage a critical appreciation of the issues covered. Where appropriate, comparison with other jurisdictions will be discussed. 

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: LAW 201 Restriction: LAW 406, LAWPUBL 463

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Laws

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain and critically evaluate the meanings and constructions of crime, the purposes of the criminal law and criminal justice system, and the extent to which the criminal justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand is fit for purpose. (Capability 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)
  2. Critically evaluate selected key issues in criminal justice, which may include: indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system; family violence; the purposes of punishment and the use of imprisonment; victims and the criminal process; restorative justice; therapeutic jurisprudence and solution-focused courts. (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)
  3. Develop and demonstrate effective legal research and analytical skills in preparing written tasks, contributing to online discussions, and in reading and analysing the material discussed in lectures and the prescribed course reading. (Capability 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)
  4. Develop and demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills through participating in class discussions and completing written tasks. (Capability 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Response Paper 1 10% Individual Coursework
Response Paper 2 30% Individual Coursework
Research Paper 60% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Response Paper 1
Response Paper 2
Research Paper

Workload Expectations


This is a standard 15-point course. There will be around 36 hours of lectures in this course. As a general guide, you should expect a workload of three hours outside of the classroom for each hour spent in class. The guideline for the total workload for this course is 150 hours.


Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at lectures. 
Lectures will be available as recordings. 
The course will not include live online events.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

There is no set textbook. Links to essential and further readings will be provided via the Reading List tab on Canvas course page. 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course director, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a Student Academic and Support Adviser as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 02/12/2020 08:33 p.m.