Victims (CRIM90035)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the field of victimology. Victims have long had an ambiguous role in law. Liberal legal systems operate on the principle that crimes are committed against the state. However, victims are often required to narrate their victimisation to assist in the adjudication of guilt. This can have paradoxical effects for victims. Participating in legal proceedings can be cathartic for some, whereas for others it may be traumatic and re-victimising.
In this subject, students will be introduced to critical issues about the status of victims in criminal justice. The subject will examine
- the historical context of the inclusion of victims in formal legal processes;
- the rise of victims’ rights, and implications associated with this;
- questions about those who qualify as victims, and the ways in which practices of justice may exceed or extend beyond formal law; and
- the likely future status of victims in the context of recent scandals and crises.
Students will engage with a range of contemporary issues concerning victims in diverse case-studies, and will debate the possibilities and limitations of formal law in meeting victims’ complex needs.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Be familiar with the historical status of victims within the criminal justice system
- Understand the legal, political and social dimensions that impact upon understandings of victimhood
- Develop a critical evaluation of initiatives that have been implemented to address the needs of victims in the criminal justice system
- Be able to investigate contemporary case studies concerning victims in the context of broader criminological literature
Generic skills
- Have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally;
- Have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;
- Have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- 1,500 word report (30%), due mid-semester
- A 3,500 word research essay (70%), due during the examination period
Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Dave McDonald Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours A 2 hour seminar per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Further information
- Texts
Last updated: 31 October 2023