The Australian courts represent a fundamental pillar of our criminal justice system. Understanding their role and responsibilities is important for students studying criminology, sociology, law and public policy. In this course, students will be introduced to the key issues and principles that govern the administration of justice, particularly as they relate to the important role of the courts within the wider criminal justice system. Historical and contemporary issues will be explored, with a key focus on recent innovations, as the judicial system attempts to become more responsive to the multiplicity of needs among people who come before the courts. This course is complemented by a field visit to the ACT Magistrates or Supreme Court and/or High Court of Australia..
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- source and evaluate information and data about the role and function of courts in Australia;
- chart the history of innovation in court practice in Australia and its connection to the development of criminal justice policy;
- apply theory and research to critically evaluate the role and function of courts in Australia; and
- present the outcomes of research in both oral and written formats.
Work Integrated Learning
Fieldwork
Indicative Assessment
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Quiz (10) [LO 1,2,4]
- Court report (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,3,4]
- Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
120 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; and
b) 84 hours of independent student research, reading and writing, including 2-3 hours attendance at court.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
TBC on Canvas
Assumed Knowledge
This course is taught assuming students have some basic understanding of sociology, law and criminology.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $4620 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9682 | 26 Jul 2027 | 02 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | In Person | N/A |