Macquarie University

Crime, Justice and Society - SOC226

This unit offers students an opportunity to examine the social relationships that underpin crime and criminal behaviour, the policy and politics of crime, and our understanding of 'justice' in the modern world. The unit brings criminology and sociology together as social sciences, providing insight into both social and criminal justice. Particular attention is paid to the purpose and aims of the criminal justice system. The 'cycle of justice' is unpacked, including: interacting with the police; what happens in court; and how we punish people and what we expect to happen after punishment has been administered. Issues discussed include: questions of how crime is defined, measured and prevented; criminal responsibility and victimisation; the form and function of law in democratic society; gender-based violence; hate crimes; and crimes of the powerful; as well as an introduction into debates surrounding terrorism and security. Students are encouraged to re-examine the socially constructed nature of crime, questioning the purpose of law and the role it plays in maintaining, or disrupting, established notions of fairness and equity from a criminological perspective.

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information and session dates for external offerings please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.