Course Title: Apply criminal law within justice environments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2015
Course Code: JUST5719
Course Title: Apply criminal law within justice environments
School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5315 - Diploma of 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
Email: georgy.dumas@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 80
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
Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:
VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
And ONE of the following electives:
VU20867 Support policing processes within justice environment contexts
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to apply aspects of criminal law within a justice range of justice settings.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20861 Apply criminal law within justice environments |
Element: |
1. Examine the concept of crime |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Concept of crime is delineated |
Element: |
2. Investigate defences to crime |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Differences between rebuttable and irrebuttable presumptions are identified and analysed |
Element: |
3. Investigate elements and defences of crime against persons |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Elements and defences of criminal assault and sexual offences and the factors affecting them are examined |
Element: |
4. Investigate the concept of culpability |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Culpability of person involved in a crime is analysed, evaluated and applied |
Element: |
5. Apply liability of road safety laws and drug offences within justice environments |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Duty of care and the various requirements of the road safety laws applicable to drivers in Victoria are analysed and practised |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Provide the effective application of judicial policies, procedures and processes to meet job role requirements within justice environments
• Provide the knowledge and the effective application of relevant aspects of criminal law and Victorian legislation governing evidence required to prove offences and satisfy judicial requirements
• Provide the knowledge of relevant Federal, State and local legislative, regulatory and statutory requirements and provisions, including rules and admissibility of evidence
Details of Learning Activities
You will participate in a variety of learning activities. They include the following:
In class activities:
• Observations
• Demonstrations
• Lectures
• Presentations
• Class discussions
• Oral and written questioning
• Knowledge-based tests/questionnaires
• Case studies
Out of class activities:
• Readings
• Case studies
• Observations
Teaching Schedule
Week One:
Welcome and overview of subject and assessment requirement for formative and summative assessments.
• Types of law/Crime
• The concept of crime
• Aims of Criminal Law
Week Two:
• Introduction - The elements of crime
• The physical elements
• The rebuttable presumptions
• Culpability
Week Three:
• The mental elements
• Rebuttable & irrebuttable presumptions
• Culpability
Week Four:
• The elements of crime - Crime Practical
• Dissemination and discussion for Summative Assessment 1
Formative assessment one and feedback
Week Five:
• Crime Practical
• Assault (cont.)
• Serious assault
• Indecent assault
• General and specific defences
Week Six:
• Family violence law
• Stalking law
• Assault
Formative assessment two and feedback
Week Seven:
• Examine the general defences to crime
• Elements towards mitigation and other please
• Use of force – assault workshop
Week Eight
• Theft and associated matters
• Case study
• Defences to theft
• Attempts
Formative assessment three and feedback
Week Nine:
**Mid semester Break – no classes**
Week Ten:
• Burglary;
• Aggravated burglary;
• Attempts
• Defences
Week Eleven:
• Obtaining property by deception
• Obtaining financial advantage by deception
Formative assessment four and feedback
Week Twelve:
• Robbery
• Armed Robbery
• Attempts
Week Thirteen:
• Elements of Sexual offences
• Rape
• Rape in marriage
• Defences
Formative assessment five and feedback
Week Fourteen:
• Elements of Sexual offences
• Under age
• Incest, Bestiality
Week Fifteen
• Family violence
• Rape in Marriage
• Victim impact statement
• Defences
Formative assessment six and feedback
Summative assessment one due
Week Sixteen:
• Road Safety Laws
• Duty of care
• Culpable driving
• Dangerous driving
• Careless driving
Week Seventeen:
• Drugs laws
• Trafficking
• Possession/Use of drugs
Formative assessment seven and feedback
Week18
• Law revision
• Saturday 7 November 2015 in preparation for Summative assessment 2 Tuesday 10 November 2015
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
All required readings and case studies will be available either: |
References
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 observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, and audio-visual presentations.
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca
Assessment Tasks
In order for students to prove competence in this subject, all assessment tasks must be satisfactorily completed in a timely manner.
Formative Assessments:
• Progressive in class formative assessment to demonstrate understanding and knowledge of content covered
Assessment instruments used by the educator/assessor.
There are two (2) assessable tasks to be completed and they are:
• Written law report on the elements of an offence including an application of and defences to the elements of crime (graded summative assessment) – 50%
• Written assessment in the relevant Federal/State/Local legislative and regulatory requirements (graded summative assessment) – 50%
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
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.
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.
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.
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 the plagiarism implications.
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 the assessments are not collected within the time period, the assessment material may 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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview