Course Title: Work within the criminal justice system
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
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
Georgy DUMAS
+61 3 9925 4203
Tony TREVAN
+61 3 9925 4512
Peter TOTTLE
+61 3 9925 2917
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
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Students 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
- Individual oral and written questioning, and student-led group discussions and/or presentations, will exemplify your contextualizing of the class topics, and validate your learning of key legal procedures, court protocol and associated role responsibilities, and an introduction to the Victorian Criminal Justice system
Out of Class Activities Will Incorporate
- Readings, researching case studies, completing remaining in class activities, and preparing for in class group presentations
- Attendance at a sitting Magistrate’s Court in preparation for completion of Summative Assessment Two.
Teaching Schedule
TEACHING SCHEDULE
Specific dates will be provided once the academic calendar has been finalised for 2017
To be included will be mid semester break, public holidays, and break for Justice Camp
Session One
Introduction
- Overview of Course
- Course Guide
- Course Protocols & Etiquette
- Assessments
Session Two
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Adversarial System v Inquisitorial System
- The Constitution
- Separation of Powers
- How laws are made
- Acts of Parliament
- Classification of Offences
- Briefing for Assignment 1 – Scenario Report
Session Three
Investigation & Charging
- The range of law enforcement agencies
- Roles and powers of investigation and jurisdiction
- Arrest, Search and Seizure Powers
- Crimes Act 1958 (s.458 / 459 / 464)
Session Four
Charge, Summons and Bail
- Presumption of entitlement to bail
- Who grants bail and in what circumstances
- Show cause / Unacceptable risk
- Bail Act 1977
Session Five
The Court System
- Victorian Court Hierarchy
- Roles and responsibilities of court participants
- Court Etiquette
- Oath & Affirmation
Session Six
The Court System
- Tribunals and Jurisdiction
- Specialist and Therapeutic Courts
Session Seven
Sentencing
- Sentencing Principles (Adults v Juveniles)
- Sentencing Act 1991
Session Eight
Managing Offenders
- Prisons & Alternatives
- Community Corrections Orders
- Community-Based Offender Case Management
Session Nine
You Be The Judge (Guest Presenter)
- Interactive Class Activity
MID SEMESTER BREAK & ANZAC DAY (3 Weeks)
Session Ten
- Briefing for Assignment 2 – Court Report
- Summative Assessment 1 Due – (Scenario Report)
Session Eleven
Magistrates Court Visit
- No Classes Due To Court Visit
Session Twelve
- Workshop – Court Report Assignment
Session Thirteen
Justice Camp
- Court Etiquette
- Oath & Affirmation
Session Fourteen
Revision Workshop
- Briefing for Assignment 3 – Exam
- Summative Assessment 2 Due - (Court Report)
Session Fifteen
- Summative Assessment 3 Due – Exam
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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
- Formative assessments provide formative feedback to students during the learning cycle to assist them to identify how their learning is progressing.
Formative Assessment Process
- Formative assessment provides feedback to the student during the learning experience.
- All performance criteria assessed progressively apply formative assessment methodologies throughout the semester.
- These are held in class room settings by posing questions, guiding investigations, quizzing students and providing opportunities for students to present/report on their learning.
- Students are provided immediate and meaningful feedback in and out of class on the progress of their work.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS
- Summative assessment is focussed on the outcomes of the learning experience and concerned with evaluation of the final outcomes of a learning experience.
- Summative assessments are typically provided at the end of the learning cycle to measure student performance against the standards provided by the course learning outcomes.
Summative Assessment One: Scenario Report
- Written Report (1500 words), addressing tasking in relation to a simulated scenario (provided)
- 30% of overall grade for the subject
Summative Assessment Two: Court Report
- Written Report (1500 words) relating to a case heard in Magistrates’ Court
- 40% of overall grade for the subject
Summative Assessment Three: Exam
- Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Exam
- 30% of overall grade for the subject
Assessment Matrix
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
Other Information
Program inherent requirements
Inherent requirements refer to the abilities, knowledge and skills you must demonstrate to:
achieve program learning outcomes
work effectively as part of a team in classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL) settings
perform effectively in classroom and WIL settings without undue risk to your own or others' health, safety and welfare.
Depending on your program of study, inherent requirements may include:
verbal and non-verbal communication skills
reading, writing and number skills
concentration, memory and problem solving
mental wellness and behavioural stability
vision, hearing, touch and smell
physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.
If you have any injury, illness, disability, impairment, condition or incapacity that may affect your ability to perform the inherent requirements of your program of study, we encourage you to discuss this with the Program manager to enable RMIT University to identify whether there are any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform program requirements. RMIT University wants to place you in the best possible position to use your knowledge, skills and attributes effectively in your program of study.
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
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Examples of other information that could be included in this section are listed below. Please discuss with your Program Coordinator/Manager. Information needs to be consistent across the whole program.
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.
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
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:
- a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
- b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
- c) 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://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/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 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
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
Working with Children Check – This course requires a Working with Children Check
Police Check – This course requires a satisfactory police check
Course Overview: Access Course Overview