Unit name | Youth Justice |
---|---|
Unit code | SPOL20022 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Jo Staines |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School for Policy Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This a second year optional unit that tackles some of the key challenges and tensions within the youth justice system in England and Wales. The unit explores the needs and rights of children and young people involved in offending behaviour and in the youth justice system, and how we should respond to those children and young people who cause harm to others. The unit includes a reflection on the development of the youth justice system from the days of the transportation or execution of children to the current ‘Scaled Approach’ responses. The unit unpicks the politicization of youth crime and the demonisation of young people, from ‘condemning a little more’ to ‘hugging a hoody’. We consider the research evidence that attempts to explain why children and young people become involved in offending behaviour, ranging from anti-social behaviour to grave crimes.; Understanding current practice within the youth justice system, including restorative justice and early intervention programmes, is an integral part of the unit; we also consider international perspectives on youth crime to see how youth justice systems operate elsewhere in the world. Specific topical issues, such as children and young people's involvement in gangs or the radicalisation of young British Muslims, are also included. Seminar debates will be held on potentially controversial issues, such as the age of criminal responsibility or the responses to children who commit serious offences. The formative assessment is a mock exam, designed to give you feedback and support for the final exam.
The objectives of the unit are to develop students awareness and knowledge of:
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
Students who successfully complete this unit will have:
The unit will be taught via lectures, seminars and guided individual study. The seminars will include presentations by students, group discussion and various exercises designed to enhance the teaching and learning of the topics covered.
Formative assessment: practice exam
Summative assessment: 3 hour unseen exam (100%)