CRIM6000
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course examines the factors that lead to miscarriages of justice, through a review of cases that reflect failures of the criminal justice system. These failures range from wrongful convictions to cold cases where families are not provided resolution or answers following a suspected crime, as well as international crimes and the challenges of transparency, accountability, and impunity. Students will analyse systemic issues in domestic and international justice systems that contribute to miscarriages of justice, including bias, prejudice, professional cultures. Examples will be set within a legal framework, through an evaluation of post-conviction review processes, as well as the work of innocence projects, and the functions of Criminal Case Review Commissions.
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2024.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify and explain types of miscarriage of justice
2. Critically analyse the causative factors of miscarriages of justice
3. Investigate and effectively communicate the differentiation of key debates in the reduction of miscarriages of justice
4. Evaluate and critique the suitability of external bodies (such as innocence initiatives and Criminal Case Review Commissions) to provide transparency and accountability
Content
Topics will include:
- Scale and breadth of miscarriages of justice
- Factors that lead to miscarriages of justice
- Causes of wrongful convictions
- Roles of various parties; investigators, scientists, witnesses (expert and lay), lawyers (prosecution and defence) in contributing to and remedying miscarriages of justice
- Cold case analyses
- Misclassification of deaths
- Crimes against humanity and international atrocities
- The process of post-conviction review across Australian states and territories
- The purpose and scope of innocence projects
- The functions of Criminal Case Review Commissions
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Essay
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.
Written Assignment: Case study
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.
Presentation: Powerpoint presentaiton
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.