Course Title: Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr Brianna Chesser

Course Coordinator Phone: Please email

Course Coordinator Email: brianna.chesser@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 37

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for availability


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

In this course you will examine the development of therapeutic jurisprudence from an interdisciplinary perspective and the transition of therapeutic jurisprudence from theory to practice. You will consider the different ways in which criminal justice and mental health disciplines shape the development of the law & criminal justice, such as the recent innovation of problem-solving courts. You will explore the role of lawyers, judges, criminal justice agencies and allied mental health professionals as therapeutic agents. Law reform issues & international perspectives relating to therapeutic jurisprudence will also be examined.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:


• Describe and discuss the concept of therapeutic jurisprudence.
• Explain different applications of therapeutic jurisprudence to the law and criminal justice system.
• Analyse the role of lawyers, judges and allied criminal justice and mental health agencies as therapeutic agents.
• Debate contemporary issues relating to the relevance and application of therapeutic jurisprudence to the law & criminal justice system.
• Analyse international perspectives and law reform issues relating to therapeutic jurisprudence.


Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be explained and illustrated in lectures, guest seminars and online notes, with opportunities to develop your analytical skills in group problem solving exercises and individual activities.
Your learning will be supported by constructive participation in group discussions, and through engaging with readings, and diverse in class and/or online exercises.


Overview of Learning Resources

You have access to extensive course materials accessible through myRMIT Studies, including digitised readings, lecture notes and a detailed study program, external internet links and access to RMIT Library online and hardcopy resources.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on the above learning outcomes.
A range of assessment tasks will be utilised and may include essay, role play, presentation, group work, tests and online activities.
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
 

  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment