POL5063 - The Problem of Proof

Objectives:

Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate the Learning and Employability outcomes for the relevant level of study. Level Learning Outcomes are embedded in the assessment task(s) at that level. This enables a more integrated view of overall student performance at each level.

Content:

This module is aimed at those who study or work in areas that support the operation of the criminal justice system in proving evidence in court. It considers how legal systems have evolved together with theories of knowledge and certainty to provide an underpinning for our legal systems. It examines the elements that must be proven in crimes and the reasons why the law requires this. It considers what must be proved and what can be taken for granted, unless challenged. It looks at the integrity of investigations, both ethical and practical to see how certainty is achieved through legal rules relating to process and procedure and considers how things can be proved, and the level of expertise and certainty needed to achieve it. Finally, it considers the responsibilities and relationship between the subject expert and the legal expert and how they work together to achieve justice.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Sessions are divided into a mix of lectures, and workshops, with practical based learning.

Lectures will build on theory and foundational concepts, utilising where possible digital learning tools, such as vevox and Padlet to assist students in their understanding. Inclusive learning methods, such as visual elements – gamification, storyboards, videos etc will be incorporated into lecture plans to assist with breaking down more complex material, and to ensure students are confident with basic concepts.

Modules at this level will introduce more practical elements of legislative practice, and examination of cases to start critical review work. Evidence-based policing will form the corner stone of the curriculum, encouraging students to build on their research skills, and understand how academic practice influences operational professional work.

Some modules will build on the problem-based learning which students were introduced to a Level 4, which will become more pertinent at this level with more complex decision making and problem-solving ideas introduced. Simulation of the ‘real world’ investigative environment both within and outside policing will be introduced, and the differing methods looked at in more detail.

Lectures
Hours: 30
Intended group size: 25-60

Workshops
Hours: 10
Intended group size: 25-60

Guided independent study
Hours: 260

Further details relating to assessment
(Integrated with POL5053) Component 1: Practical Scenario: Students will take part in a 4-hour practical group scenario which will focus on the roles and responsibilities of those who take an investigation through the court process. Students will rotate in distinct roles, considering aspects of the issues of proof from the viewpoints of officer in the case, legal expert, jury, and judge.

Component 2: Written Assignment: Students will write a 2000-word reflective piece based upon their practical scenario focussing on the problem of proof in a wider societal context.

Formative assessment will be built into weekly sessions to aid understanding, clarify misconceptions, and enable staff to ensure learning is being understood, and students are able to apply it correctly to their work.

This module has a specific practical group assessment, which students will practice through an inquiry-based learning approach in the weekly workshops. They will be given an opportunity to submit their work, which will enable a build-up of formative feedback, ready for summative assessment.

Assessment:

001 Practical Scenario; 4 hr; Mid sem 2 50%
002 Written Assignment; 2000 words; End sem 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Donna Eastham
Level - 5
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S2

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