LAWS5034

Crime and Australian Society

10 Units 5000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2012

Courses coded with LAWS are only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programs.


This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the nature of crime, theories of crime (eg. classical theory, strain theory and labelling perspectives), the purpose and aims of the criminal justice system, policing and law enforcement, victims of the criminal justice system, crime prevention and reduction as well as the relationship between human rights and the criminal justice system.

Objectives Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the course material;
2. Exercise critical thinking in respect of the criminological materials covered;
3. Use analytical skills in respect of the materials and arguments presented;
4. Research primary and secondary legal data in the preparation of oral and written arguments;
5. Demonstrate high level written and oral communication skills.
Content This course includes but is not limited to the following topics:
1. Introduction: Understanding Crime
2. Origins of Criminology and Theories of Crime
3. Aims of the Criminal Justice System
4. The distribution of crime over populations, space and time.
5. Crime and the Media
6. Inequalities of Crime and Victimisation
7. Crime in the Streets and Home
8. Hate Crimes
9. White Collar and Corporate Crime
10. Cyber Crime and Bullying
11. Gender and Crime
12. Indigenous Peoples and Crime
13. Crime Prevention and Reduction and the Future of Offender Rehabilitation
Replacing Course(s) n/a
Transition n/a
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge LAWS1001A, LAWS1001B, LAWS1002A, LAWS1002B, LAWS2003A, LAWS2003B, LAWS3004A, LAWS3004B (or equivalents), LAWS4001, LAWS4011.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Research Paper 3,500 words in length
Group/tutorial participation and contribution Seminar Participation
Presentations - Class Written summary of presentation
Presentations - Individual Oral presentation on topics
Contact Hours Seminar: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and associated combined degree programs.