LAWS6109
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
Restorative justice and practices involve an alternative approach to conflict resolution based on a framework where relationships are placed at the centre. This course will introduce students to the concept of restorative justice as a means of resolving disputes with a particular focus on the criminal justice system. The extension of restorative practices in the broader community to building collaborative, inclusive and resilient communities will also be explored. Through exploring this concept and the broader framework for restorative practices, the course will focus on conflict resolution that actively involves the victims, offenders, and community members in a joint decision-making process and building relationships rather than traditional legal and court-based mechanisms. The course, while focusing on the criminal justice system, will consider the wider applicability of restorative practices, such as in child welfare, youth justice, education, health, and business settings. The course will also explore the strengths and limitations that restorative practices may have in some applications, and where restorative justice options may not be applicable or possible to implement.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain and analyse the concept of restorative justice
2. Explain and apply a restorative justice framework for effective practice in the criminal justice system
3. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of restorative justice and restorative practice in the criminal justice system and other settings.
4. Critically analyse and discuss the use of restorative justice and practice approaches and programs in a variety of community settings and the future development of such an alternative justice paradigm and practice.
5. Demonstrate research, oral and written communication skills in locating, discussing and evaluating issues arising from restorative justice and practice and the broad implementation of a such an approach and practice.
Content
The course will cover the following content:
- What is restorative justice? – definition and purpose of an alternative paradigm of justice
- Restorative justice theory and traditions – framework of values and principles
- Restorative justice in criminal justice – agency and accountability of victims and offenders
- Restorative justice in the context of youth
- Restorative policing
- Strengths and limitations of restorative justice
- Restorative justice and recidivism
- Restorative practice
- Restorative practice in education and the child welfare sector
- Restorative practice in health, employment, business, and other community settings
- Sustainability, development, and the future of restorative justice and practice
- Restorative cities
Requisite
Students must have successfully completed LAWS6107.
Assessment items
Participation: Class Participation
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement 80% - Must obtain 80% in this assessment item to pass the course.
Essay: Research Paper
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.
Essay: Law Reform Submission
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 36 hour(s) per term
- The course may be delivered wholly in intensive mode; or in an equivalent combination of intensive and on-line delivery
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.