Introduction to Criminal Justice

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
CRIM 1001
Course ID icon
Course ID
201068
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course explores the various institutions, practices, and procedures of the criminal justice system, as well as the range of theoretical, practical, and philosophical challenges faced in achieving ‘justice’. Students will be introduced to the mechanics of how the criminal justice system in Australia operates, and explore the interconnected nature of policing, the judiciary, and corrections. They will examine the effectiveness of these components and investigate the key issues impacting contemporary criminal justice administration. In doing so, students will evaluate available evidence, and be encouraged to think critically about the aims, processes, and potential failings of each of the components of the criminal justice system.

  • Towards Our Habitable Planet
  • Prosecuting And Punishing Crime
  • Achieving Justice

Course learning outcomes

  • Identify the aims, structure, and processes of the criminal justice system
  • Explain the roles that different agencies and actors play in the administration of criminal justice
  • Compare a variety of approaches to justice and crime prevention
  • Analyse how the criminal justice system can produce inequalities and miscarriages of justice
  • Discuss the widespread impact of crime and punishment across various groups within the community, including offenders, victims, families and the wider public

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A