Crime and Public Policy

Many criminology graduates find themselves researching, developing, and applying crime and justice policy in government, political, and other contexts. This subject helps prepare students for such work through exploration of the interplay between criminology and public policy. As well as providing an overview of factors shaping policy in Australia and other countries, it reviews challenges associated with making criminological, sociological, and philosophical theory relevant in practical contexts. The subject explores the implications, challenges and opportunities for policy change and considers the systems and processes that determine what is considered deserving of state intervention as either public policy or criminalisation. Emphasis is placed on critically exploring contemporary public policy concerns such as those related to climate change, abolition, immigration, social security and policing.

• 1Demonstrate understanding of theoretical foundations of public policy in contemporary Australia
• 2Explain challenges associated with policy development, reform and change
• 3Summarise contemporary debates concerning the modern state, social control, and the role of criminal law and criminal justice
• 4Use research and analysis skills to prepare a policy brief
• 5Apply critical skills and methods to analyse criminal justice policy in Australia
• 6Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.