CRIM13-315: Miscarriages of Justice

Description

While there is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of trials produce justified convictions or acquittals, there have been a number of high profile cases where the conclusions are questionable or where decisions have been overturned. This subject examines some of those high profile cases to decipher the systemic causes of such failures through an understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system. The subject also addresses the roles of investigators, the media, forensic science, expert witnesses, lawyers, juries, eyewitness testimony and the appeals process to determine how these may impact on cases of injustice. Students who successfully complete this subject will have a thorough understanding of the main causal factors for miscarriages of justice worldwide and will be apprised of the possible remedies. The course also looks at contemporary responses to miscarriages of justice such as the Innocence Project in the US and the UK Criminal Case Review Commission.

Subject details

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system through an analysis of miscarriage cases.
2. Understand the theoretical and practical reasons why miscarriages occur.
3. Learn how to critically analyse possible cases of miscarriage of justice.
4. Develop an understanding of how the criminal justice system can be improved in order to reduce miscarriages of justice.

Enrolment requirements

Subject outlines

• May 2021 [Standard]
• May 2020 [Standard]
• May 2019 [Standard]
• May 2018 [Standard]
• May 2017 [Standard]

Subject dates