This module will critically explore the history of criminal justice in the British Empire. After a brief introduction to both, the connections between the two will be investigated. This module will explore social harms to both the indigenous populations affected by ‘colonisation’, as well as those born in Britain, in the context of ‘colonisation’, ‘imperialism’ and criminal justice institutions/practices. This will be done by exploring the immediate harms (both intended i.e. punishment, and unintended e.g. deaths/injury/assaults), and the legacy of certain practices e.g. convict transportation / child removal. While providing a broad overview of the issues, this module will also use case studies of individual former colonised territories, as well as focusing on ordinary individual lives caught up in these systems/practices. This is an historical exploration, but contemporary links and ongoing social harms will be highlighted throughout.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the history of criminal justice in the British Empire
Appraise case studies of both immediate and long-term harms within the context of criminal justice and the British Empire
Identify instances of ongoing, contemporary social harms related to criminal justice practices within the British Empire
Demonstrate an understanding of the intended and unintended social harms caused by practices within the context of criminal justice within the British Empire.