Crime, Justice and Society (FutureLearn)

Crime, Justice and Society (FutureLearn)

Explore the role of the state in regulating criminal behaviour and the parts played by those in the criminal justice system. There are few policy areas that are underpinned by more myths and misconceptions or generate more heated debate than Crime, Justice and Society. What should the role of the police be? How do victims experience criminal justice? Are there alternative responses to crime instead of prosecution and conviction?

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On this course, you’ll learn alongside specialists from the University of Sheffield’s Centre for Criminological Research and hear from those with firsthand experience of the criminal justice system, like the police, probation officers, former prisoners and criminal lawyers.

What topics will you cover?

  • Crime and Criminal Justice
  • Policing
  • Victims and Victim Support
  • Restorative Justice
  • Prisons and Places of Confinement
  • Community Sanctions and Measures
  • Desistance

What will you achieve?

  • Reflect on the role of the state in the regulation of criminal behaviour.
  • Describe how a range of criminal justice agencies and non-governmental organisations respond to crime.
  • Discuss contemporary issues and emerging questions in the field of criminology.
  • Explore the impacts of victimisation and the support available for victims of crime.
  • Debate controversial issues in policing and prisons.
  • Investigate international developments in restorative justice policy and practice.
  • Evaluate alternative approaches to imprisonment such as community sanctions and measures.
  • Explore emerging research into desistance to understand how and why people stop offending.
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