Undergraduate - UnitLAW5112 - Federal criminal justice

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Topics which form the core material include: the history of federal involvement in the criminal law; federal policing agencies; the sources and nature of federal criminal procedure; the relationship of federal criminal law to state criminal law and to state courts; and the sentencing structures for federal offenders. Additional emerging topics of federal interest may be added from year to year.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should

1. be familiar with the sources and significance of federal criminal law in the Australian criminal justice system;
2. have an overview of the contents and an understanding of the special features of federal criminal law and procedure and federal sentencing law and how these elements relate to state criminal law systems; and
3. have a critical understanding of the possible future shape of federal involvement in the criminal law sphere.

Assessment

Written assignment (3000 words): 60% and 2 hours examination (plus 10 minutes reading time): 30% and class participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Patrick Emerton

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104; LAW3300 or LAW3301 and LAW3302