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.