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Crime is and always has been a feature in all societies across the world. The problem of crime is universal, as too is the ongoing goal of researchers and policy makers to develop effective responses to it. Understanding how crime is defined, current criminal justice responses to crime, and associated challenges in defining and responding to crime is fundamental to studies within the discipline of Criminology. By understanding crime and society’s responses to it, students will gain a broader appreciation for the legal and social complexities connected with crime. Developing this knowledge is advantageous for students who anticipate future careers or further research endeavours involving work with offenders or victims, the criminal justice system, and/or developing related policy.

Part one of this course introduces students to the key `what?', `where?', `who?' and `how?' questions associated with crime. Beginning with an examination of what constitutes crime, students will learn about the complimentary and competing definitions of crime, as well as the overarching importance for the study of crime. Different types of crime are then examined in connection with where crime typically occurs, who is deemed responsible for the majority of crimes committed, and how crime is both portrayed by the media and perceived by the general public. Part two builds on students' knowledge of these key questions, with further examination of the current responses to crime, within the Australian context. Responses to crime encompass formal mechanisms in the form of the criminal justice system, informal mechanisms via community-based responses, as well as the inherent challenges present in responding to and preventing crime.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. explore in detail the reasons underpinning over-representation of some groups over others in the criminal justice system;
2. identify how the criminal justice system and the way it responds to crime, offenders and victims is portrayed through various mediums and the influence of this on perceptions of crime
3. explain the key aims and principles of the criminal justice system;
4. identify and explain the roles of each of the three key stakeholders within the criminal justice system;
5. explain and critically appraise the current challenges associated with the intervention and prevention of crime and present these criticisms through written communication, as well as through verbal interaction.