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Victims: Recognition and Redress (CRIM90035)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
September
Overview
Availability | September |
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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 sidelines many, with paradoxical effects. Participating in legal proceedings can be cathartic for some, whereas for others it may be traumatic and re-victimising. In part because of this, many victims now seek justice beyond traditional legal processes.
In this subject, students will be introduced to critical issues associated with the status of victims. Part one of the subject investigates the degree to which traditional criminal justice processes can better accommodate the needs of victims. Part two explores recognition and redress for victims beyond formal law. The subject will examine
- the historical context of victimology, and the rise of victim’s rights;
- policy and process reforms to enhance inclusion in formal legal processes;
- forms of recognition and redress that have arisen outside of traditional legal processes; and
- future directions in victim-centred justice.
Students will engage with a range of contemporary issues concerning victims, and will debate the possibilities and limitations of formal law in meeting victims’ complex needs. Please note that the subject incorporates institutional child sexual abuse as a case-study and may be distressing. It includes an off campus visit as part of the intensive.
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: 10 November 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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Report
| Mid semester | 40% |
Research essay
| During the examination period | 60% |
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. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
- September
Coordinator Dave McDonald Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 28 contact hours. Full day seminars from 9.30am until 4.30pm to be taught across 4 day intensive. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 15 September 2023 to 13 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 20 September 2023 Census date 6 October 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 October 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023 September contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Required readings will be available to download from Readings Online via LMS.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Criminology Specialisation (formal) Criminology
Last updated: 10 November 2023