From Crime to Punishment: an Introduction to Criminal Justice
What is crime? How does criminal justice work in England and Wales? Find out more by following a case through the system.
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at those with a good secondary education and an interest in law and/or criminal justice. The level is undergraduate level 1, so equivalent to the first year of a degree course. You do not need any prior knowledge of the field, but a keen interest in criminal justice is essential.
What topics will you cover?
Week 1: Definitions of crime
measuring the extent of crime
Week 2: Investigation and prosecution
Week 3: The trial process
Week 4: Sentencing
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…
Identify different definitions of ‘crime’
Describe, in basic terms, key processes in criminal justice including investigation, prosecution, defence, adjudication and sentencing
Develop a reasoned view on the values underpinning criminal justice processes in England and Wales, and on the effectiveness of institutions including police, lawyers, and courts
