Course Title: Work within the criminal justice system

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: JUST5725

Course Title: Work within the criminal justice system

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4323 - Certificate IV in Justice

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Rebecca Williams
Email: rebecca.williams@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to define and apply your role within the criminal justice system and in particular the adjudicative phase.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system

Element:

1. Review the components of the criminal justice system

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Purpose and functions of the Victorian criminal justice system and the interrelationship of its main components are delineated
1.2 Context of the investigative phase of the criminal justice system is analysed
1.3 Range of law enforcement agencies and their roles and powers of investigation and jurisdiction are identified
1.4 Impact of contemporary issues within the criminal justice system are identified, investigated and debated

Element:

2. Examine the adjudicative component of the criminal justice system

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Adjudicative component of the criminal justice system is described and its internal stakeholders identified
2.2 Key principles of criminal justice are identified and applied
2.3 Development and impact of specialist and therapeutic courts on the criminal justice system are investigated and debated
2.4 Sentencing principles are investigated against the underpinning principles of criminal justice

Element:

3. Review criminal justice system for application to practice

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Relationship between purpose, functions and components of the criminal justice system and current/potential job roles is delineated and developed
3.2 Skills, knowledge and attitudes appropriate for conducting job role within criminal justice system contexts are determined and applied
3.3 Responsiveness to debates on contemporary issues is incorporated into professional practice


Learning Outcomes


On completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Effectively work with relevant investigative, adjudicative and correctional agencies, to meet your own current/potential job roles within the criminal justice system
  • Provide evidence of knowledge on the functions and purpose of the criminal justice system and its main components
  • Provide evidence of knowledge of relevant legislation governing investigation, law enforcement, punishment and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in a variety of learning activities, both in class and out of class.

In class activities will incorporate simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and role-plays that identify with professional practice within the criminal justice system. the identification and responses to children ‘at risk’ of harm, and practical skill development relevant to reporting. Individual oral and written questioning, and student-led group discussions and/or presentations, will exemplify your contextualising of the class topics, and validate your learning of key legal procedures, court protocol and associated role responsibilities, and an introduction to the Victorian Corrections system. An excursion to the Magistrate’s Court and work integrated learning will be arranged and the dates to be confirmed.

Out of class activities will also incorporate readings, researching case studies, completing remaining in class activities, and preparing for in class group presentations.


Teaching Schedule

Week One
Introduction to the course and the key components of the Criminal Justice System.

Week Two
-Models of Justice.
-Our Adversarial System.
-Offence Classifications.

Week Three
-The Constitution.
-Introduction to Investigation.

Week Four
-Investigation and S. 464 etc. Crimes Act 1958.

Week Five
-Court Visit Information & Court Etiquette

Week Six
Work Integrated Learning Exercise
-Magistrates’ Court Visit

Week Seven
-After the Investigation. Bail Act 1977

Week Eight
-Courts and associated personnel

Week Nine
-Courts, Tribunals and Jurisdictions

Week Ten
-Specialist & Therapeutic Courts

Week Eleven
-Sentencing Principles for Courts

Week Twelve
Work Integrated Learning
-Assessment Workshop

Week Thirteen
-You be the Judge – Interactive class activity.

Week Fourteen
Work Integrated Learning
-Assessment Feedback
(conducted at Justice Safety Support and Procedure camp by Industry Expert who will highlighting strengths and weaknesses of assessments and reported observations).

Week Fifteen
-Introduction to Corrections

Week Sixteen
-Contemporary Issues in CJS

Week Seventeen
-Exam Revision

Week Eighteen
-EXAM

NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Attendance -
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

We expect that students engage in learning through a combination of lectures, individual reading and study, meaningful feedback on written work and structured activities that encourage critical thinking and the development of discipline specific knowledge and practical skills.

Students are active participants and this course prioritises learning by doing. It is essential that students take ownership of their studies and work on developing skills as independent learners in time allocated away from lectures and class time.

As a student you need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.

You will be required to sign an attendance sheet and if you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to advise your educator and complete any written tasks that may have been allocated.

Students are required to carefully plan and use their time productively and submit assessments as required. All assessments tasks should be researched and drafted well in advance of the set submission dates.

The course will use blended learning techniques, including; lectures, discussions, activities in class and learner directed activities supported by a range of resources available in class and on Blackboard system

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy


 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no prescribed texts for this subject. However, students will be required to purchase texts for other subjects, and as such, should be prepared to utilise those texts. Furthermore, any additional readings required will be made available on Blackboard for the students to access.


References

Highly recommended text for the students are ‘Victorian Criminal Procedure’ by Richard Fox, ‘Criminal Investigation and Procedure, The Law in Victoria’ by Corns and Tudor and ‘Annotated Criminal Legislation’ by Nash and Bagaric.


Other Resources

GUSS Skills Central (http://Gussskillscentral.edu.au/) is a site developed specifically for students in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT. It provides links to a range of resources for supporting student work on assessments and negotiating university studies more generally.


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role-plays, case studies, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, audio-visual presentations, excursions, and interaction with individuals and/or groups within the criminal justice system.

 

 


Assessment Tasks

Formative Assessments:

Progressive knowledge in class formative assessments will be conducted through debates, group work and interactive group discussion.  As such it is necessary for students to participate to obtain progressive feedback, maintain the contuinity of learning and the application of knowledge in summative assessments.

Summative Assessments:

1. Court Report – Report on the application of a range of principles and practices used in the context of working in the interrelated components of the Victorian criminal justice system –60% of overall grade for the subject.
2. Exam – Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Exam – 40% of overall grade for the subject.

Students must achieve competency IN ALL assessment tasks to PASS this subject.


Assessment Matrix

 

Assessment Grading Table
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did not Submit for Assessment

Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)

CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment

Assessment Deadlines
Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of the day the submission is due.
Assessment Format
As a student of the Justice VE program, it is expected that you adhere to the following criteria regarding essays/research/reports;
1. For a CERTIFICATE IV written assessment task/s – no less than 1500 words, 3 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission (advdipjusticeassignments@rmit.edu.au). Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).
 

Other Information


Please refer to RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters:

Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level and by the DUE DATE. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by a due date, you will need to apply for an extension.

In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.

• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.

You must keep a copy of your assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.

An extension up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.

Extensions will not be granted where the relevant Course Coordinator/Program Manager is not satisfied that the student took reasonable measures to avoid the circumstances that contributed to the student being unable to submit the progressive assessment.

Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by Course coordinators or individual educators.

Longer extensions

Extension of time longer than 7 days can only be granted through special consideration.

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Assignment Submissions:

The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.

The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 5% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.

Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.

Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All assessment items are to be submitted with a University Assessment Coversheet. Students are responsible for ensuring they complete all sections of the Cover Sheet and that they have agreed to the Academic Integrity Declaration.

Retention of Assessments
The University is required to retain all essays, assignments, and other assessment materials for a minimum of six months from the date of issue of results.

At the completion of the six-month period, students can collect their assessments by prior arrangement with their Educator in Building 37, level 4, room 13.

In the event that assessment material is not collected within the time period, it will be destroyed. Material that relates to appeals that have not yet been finally determined will not destroyed.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
• You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
• You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
• You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
• Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity.

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

 

 

 


 

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