The aim of this module is to explore relationships between race, ethnicity, and criminal justice systems from an international, comparative perspective. The module considers topics including the social construction of the concept of race and definitions of ethnicity. The origins of racial classifications through the development of institutions including slavery, colonialism and the eugenics movement will be explored, among others. The concept and functioning of intersectionality as a means of understanding complex needs of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the criminal justice system will be analysed.
The module explores notions of racism, bias, prejudice and discrimination at individual and institutional levels, and considers ways they shape criminal justice systems. Colour-blind approaches frequently adopted by criminal justice institutions as distinct from colour-conscious approaches to criminal justice policies and practices will be considered. Drivers of racial and ethnic inequalities and disparities at different stages of the criminal justice process are examined in key institutions of criminal justice systems including police, prosecution, victims’ support, defence, judges and juries, probation, and prisons. The roles of diversity and inclusion in criminal justice institutions will also be examined.
Attention is paid to concepts of justice, equality and legitimacy in criminal justice institutions in light of racial and ethnic inequalities and disparities. Ways of holding criminal justice systems to account for racial and ethnic inequalities and disparities are also explored in England and Wales, the United States and other jurisdictions, which may include reviews, enquiries, commissions, advocacy, litigation, public protest, resistance, and criminal justice reform efforts, among others.
This module draws on a combination of socio-legal theories, including critical legal theory, criminological theory, critical race theory, social theory, sociological theory, political theory, decolonial theory, and empirical research, among others.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate a broad understanding of the concepts of race and ethnicity, and understand their role in the functioning of criminal justice systems.
Critically think, write and discuss academic evidence on the role of race and the functioning of criminal justice systems, enabling students to reach arguable conclusions.
Communicate their ideas in writing in ways that are comprehensible to others, including in small-group settings.
Critically assess the empirical and theoretical evidence about the roles of race and ethnicity in the functioning of criminal justice systems, making a judgement about the merits of particular arguments.
Undertake independent research and reading using the internet and electronic information retrieval systems.
Assessment
38046-01 : Essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Essay – 5,000 words (100%)%)
Method of Reassessment: Essay – 5,000 words (100%)
