Course Title: Work within the criminal justice system

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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

Mr Peter Tottle

Email: Peter.Tottle@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

This course will be offered as an intensive program.

Session one: key components of the Criminal Justice System, models of Justice, Adversarial System, Offence Classifications.

Session two: Constitution, Introduction to Investigation, S. 464 etc. Crimes Act 1958.

Session Three: After the Investigation. Bail Act 1977, Courts and associated personnel (Visit to Court)

Session Four:  Courts, Tribunals and Jurisdictions, Specialist & Therapeutic Courts

Session Five - Sentencing Principles for Courts

Session Six: Contemporary Issues in CJS

Session Seven: Assessment (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 competency.

You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and some classes will have sessions that are compulsory to attend (please see individual course guides). If you cannot attend a class you should advise your RMIT Educator, as RMIT monitors all student attendance.

As a student, competency is demonstrated through both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content and 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.

Absence from class can seriously limit your ability to pass or achieve good results. You may be asked to attend a meeting to explain more than three absences from a subject and enter into a negotiated plan of action with your Educator. This meeting is recommended as an early intervention approach that may possibly identify any underlying issues which may be affecting your attendance and identify support that RMIT may be able to give you.

Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. If your academic progress is reviewed, a good class attendance may be helpful in showing evidence of your commitment to your studies in Justice.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

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.


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

Summative Assessment One: 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. 

Summative Assessment Two: Exam – Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Exam – 40% 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

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; it must be submitted into the Assessment Box on level 2, in Building 37 with a signed cover sheet, or electronically submitted into the Justice VET email box with an electronically attached cover sheet, by close of business on the day the submission is due.

Assessment Format

A major part of your course requires writing, for essays, research and reports. ALL Justice VE educators will expect you to maintain a high standard of presentation in your writing. These standards include the following:

  1. For a CERTIFICATE IV each written assessment task/s – up to 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 justice.ve.assignments@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).

If you have any difficult with understanding or completing these writing standards, please speak with your Educator or the Program Manager.

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

 

 

Other Information

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism.

Please refer to the following link for on-line submission statements;

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/teaching/technology/esubmission

Cover sheets do NOT form part of your word limit for written assessment tasks.

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.

If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, you need to submit any work that has been completed on the due date. For assignments 1 to 10 days late, a penalty of 10% (of the marks awarded) per day will apply. For assignments more than 10 days late, a penalty of 100% will apply. Weekend days (Saturday and Sunday) are considered when counting total late days for electronic submissions but not for hardcopy submissions.

 

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 an Extension

Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.

 

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

 

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:

  1. 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;
  2. Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
  3. Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
  4. Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
  5. Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
  6. Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
  7. Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
  8. 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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview