Criminal justice in practice

The unit presents the administrative workings, functions and experiences in areas such as courts, sentencing, imprisonment, community corrections, parole and release. Importantly we observe  how the administration of justice is played out through the court system and consider punishments against themes of human difference, exclusion, human rights and social justice. This unit explores theories of punishment and its role in our society. The unit encourages you to consider how punishment and prisons cannot be viewed outside broader social, political and economic contexts. You will have the opportunity to consider the long-term outcomes of whole-of-community initiatives based on notions of social inclusion, and the potential of their contribution to reducing disadvantage and by extension, rates of offending and re-offending.