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Youth Justice

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor: Dr Amy Kirby
  • Assessment: a case for policy change (5-7-minute oral or pre-recorded presentation or 1000-word blog) (20%) and 3000-word essay (80%)

     

     

Module description

In this module we provide you with a critical overview of the broad themes and key debates within contemporary youth justice in policy and practice. We will explore issues of youth justice through historical, socio-legal and theoretical perspectives as well as through a set of contemporary debates.

Indicative syllabus

Introduction

  • ‘Angels vs demons’: conceptualising childhood, youth and crime
  • Assessing the international landscape of youth justice

Youth justice paradigms/philosophical approaches

  • Welfare and justice
  • Risk and diversion
  • Restorative justice and positive youth justice

Contemporary issues/case studies

  • Intersectionality and youth justice
  • Youth justice and the courts
  • Young people and the use of custody
  • Joint enterprise: Implications for youth justice

Consolidation and assessment preparation

  • Final thoughts and essay-writing clinic

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • identify and critically evaluate relevant theoretical approaches and paradigms of youth justice at a local and international level
  • interpret and explain the historical context, statutory framework and workings of the youth justice system in England and Wales
  • critically evaluate the youth justice policy environment and reflect upon the factors that influence this
  • critically examine how the intersection between race, gender and socio-economic status can impact upon the treatment of young people in the youth justice system
  • critically analyse contemporary debates within youth justice and apply relevant theoretical approaches to such debates
  • present your critical analysis and reflections to your peers in order to engage in collaborative discussion.