1. Outline the different ways in which crime can be defined. What do these different definitions tell us about the nature of crime?

2. Outline the role that discretion plays in the early stages of the criminal justice process (investigation, charge, pre-trial). Reflect on the ways in which earlier discretionary decisions impact upon later outcomes for accused people.

This assessment is 1,500 words long, so your answer for each questions should be about 750 words in length (therefore totalling 1,500).

You are to submit your answers to both questions at the same time and in the same document. Length: 1,500 words Curriculum Mode: Log/Workbook Resources:

To answer these questions, you should use the following material:

1) key readings, and independent research.

8 Marking Criteria: The submission provides an impeccably well-articulated and robust critical awareness of the topic. It responds to the question in a way that demonstrates mastery of and dialogue with contemporary literature relevant to the topic. The submission provides a well-articulated and critically aware response to the question, including a position/s on the topic that is in dialogue with contemporary literature relevant to the topic. The submission provides a well thought out response to the question, including a clear position on the topic and evidence of critical thinking. More clarity around an understanding of, and the ability to engage with contemporary literature relevant to the topic is required. The submission provides an identifiable, though underdeveloped response to the question. More clarity around the argument and a demonstrated ability to engage with contemporary literature relevant to the topic is required is required. The submission does not sufficiently respond to the question. Conceptual: How well the submission uses key concepts/ideas from the unit to answer the question. The submission demonstrates mastery of AT LEAST TWO key concepts/ideas in the unit, including the connection between them and critical thinking around their link to criminal justice issues. The submission provides an in-depth and critically aware understanding of AT LEAST TWO key concepts/ideas in the unit. The submission provides an in-depth understanding of AT LEAST TWO key concepts/ideas in the unit. The submission provides a surface level understanding of AT LEAST ONE key concept/idea in the unit. The submission does not sufficiently demonstrate an understanding of any key concepts/ideas in the unit. Presentation: How well the submission is organised and referenced, as well as the quality of its written expression. The writing demonstrates highly proficient planning, including a meticulously designed and highly convincing argument that responds to the question.

All references cited correctly (as per the Harvard UWS Referencing Style) in text and in reference list. The submission contains writing that is concise, precise and critical in tone, with no spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors. The writing demonstrates a considered level of planning, including a well thought out argument that responds to the question. Most references cited correctly (as per the Harvard UWS Referencing Style) in text and in reference list. The submission contains writing that is concise and precise, with few minor spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors. The writing demonstrates a basic level of planning beyond minimal, including some evidence of an argument that responds to the question. Most references cited correctly (as per the Harvard UWS Referencing Style) in text and/or in reference list. The submission contains writing that is formal and concise, with only minor spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors. The writing demonstrates a minimal level of planning, including limited evidence of an argument that responds to the question. Some references have not been cited correctly (as per the Harvard UWS Referencing Style) or missing in text or in the reference list. The submission contains numerous spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. The writing appears unplanned and lacks an argument that responds to the question. Does not provide appropriate in-text citations, and/or reference list as per the Harvard UWS Referencing Style. The submission contains major spelling and/or grammatical errors that make it difficult to comprehend.

Essential Reading

Findlay, M., Odgers, S., and Yeo, S. (2014). Australian Criminal Justice, 5th Edn., Oxford University Press, Melbourne.  Muncie, J. (2009).

The Construction and Deconstruction of Crime. In: Key Readings in Criminology, T Newburn (ed.). Willan, Cullompton, pp. 11-16. White, R. and Perrone, S. (2015), Crime, Criminality and Criminal Justice, 2nd Edn., Oxford University Press, Melbourne. – Chapter 22, pp. 455-472.

Additional Reading Bronitt, S. & Stenning, P. (2011). Understanding discretion in modern policing (New Paradigms in Policing in Australia). Criminal Law Journal, 35(6), pp.319-332. Hennessey, H. & Prenzler T. (2012), An Introduction to Crime and Criminology, Pearson Australia Frenchs Forest, NSW.  White, R. and Perrone, S. (2015), Crime, Criminality and Criminal Justice, 2nd Edn., Oxford University Press, melbourne