Criminal justice: Policy and practice
SOCI2056
CPD-LG.08
9:30 - 11:20
Monday
2nd semester
Lecture venue
Lecture time
Offer semester
Criminal justice refers to the agencies of the government charged with enforcing law, adjudicating crime, and correcting criminal conduct. The major components of the criminal justice system are the police, courts and correctional agencies. Although society maintains other forms of social control such as the family, school, and church, only the criminal justice system has the power to control crime and punish criminals. However, can the police arrest all criminals? Does crime pay? Does punishment deter? This course is specially designed to critically examine whether the criminal justice system is an effective way to deal with crime.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of theoretical debates about criminal justice
Develop a detailed knowledge about recent developments in criminal justice.
Accurately analyze major issues in the criminal justice system in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Tasks
Weighting
Individual Paper
30%
Tutorial and Class Participation
20%
Examination
50%
Students are expected to attend class and tutorial having carried out the relevant readings for the class. Each week, there will be two or three key readings that students must read in preparation, as well as a list of carefully selected additional readings. There is no single text that covers all the themes and issues examined. Nevertheless, you may find Chui, E. W. H., & Lo, T. W. (Eds.). (2016). Understanding criminal justice in Hong Kong (Taylor & Francis) and Wang, P. (2017). The Chinese Mafia: Organized Crime, Corruption, and Extra-Legal Protection (Oxford University Press) particularly useful as key texts.
