1. Possess a critical appreciation of the nature and context of contemporary crime and be able to synthesize and articulate the consistencies, contradictions and conflicts that are inherent within the Criminal Justice System You might like to : Research the Crime’s Nature and Context by Investigating the key characteristics, prevalence, and social or cultural factors associated with the crime in the UK. Examine Legal Definitions and Frameworks by Analysing how the crime is defined and legislated in UK law, identifying any ambiguities or evolving interpretations. Identify Systemic Inconsistencies by highlighting any discrepancies in how the crime is policed, prosecuted, and sentenced, considering factors like regional variations or systemic biases. Critique Policy and Practice by assessing how effectively current policies and interventions address the crime, pinpointing areas of conflict or contradiction. Compare Stakeholder Perspectives by exploring the views of victims, offenders, law enforcement, and policymakers to understand the multifaceted impacts of the crime and justice responses. Apply Critical Theories by using criminological theories or frameworks (e.g., feminist criminology, structural conflict theory) to contextualise and critique the criminal justice system’s handling of the crime).
2. critically analyse recent trends that have shaped and influenced the UK Criminal Justice System and recent legislative changes. You might like to : Identify key trends by researching significant trends in UK crime and justice (e.g., the rise of cybercrime, shifts in drug policy, or increased focus on domestic abuse) over recent years. Examine influencing factors by investigating the social, political, and economic drivers behind these trends, such as technological advances or societal attitudes. Evaluate recent legislation by Analysing key legislative changes (e.g., the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022) and their impact on the criminal justice system. Consider Policy evolution by tracing how policies have adapted in response to emerging trends, including any controversial or contradictory measures. Critique systemic impacts by assessing how these trends and legislative changes have affected key stakeholders, including offenders, victims, and criminal justice professionals. Use Comparative Analysis to compare recent UK developments to those in other jurisdictions and in doing so, highlight unique influences or shared global patterns shaping the system.
3. Critically assess the way in which the Criminal Justice System has responded to social and cultural shifts in recent decades. You might like to : Identify major social and cultural shifts by exploring key changes, such as increased diversity, awareness of systemic inequality, and movements like #MeToo or Black Lives Matter, impacting UK society. Analyse policy responses by investigating how the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has adapted policies to address these shifts, such as hate crime legislation or reforms in domestic violence protocols. Examine representation in the CJS by critically assessing changes in diversity and inclusion among CJS professionals and their impact on fairness and public trust. Evaluate the role of technology by explore how technological advances, such as social media and digital evidence, have influenced the CJS’s approach to modern crimes and societal changes. Critique efficacy of reforms by assessing the effectiveness of recent initiatives aimed at addressing social and cultural issues, identifying successes and areas needing improvement. Consider public perception by analysing how societal trust and confidence in the CJS have evolved, considering scandals, high-profile cases, or publicised policy changes.
4. Articulate the contradictions, issues and differential treatment experienced by minority groups in the criminal justice system. You might like to : Investigate the disparities in treatment by researching data on stop-and-search rates, sentencing outcomes, and imprisonment statistics to highlight differential treatment of specific minority groups. Examine systemic bias by critically analysing how implicit bias and institutional racism impact decision-making across policing, courts, and prisons. Explore intersectionality by considering how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, religion, or disability) compound disparities within the Criminal Justice System. Analyse relevant legislation and policies by evaluating how laws like the Equality Act 2010 and initiatives such as Lammy Review recommendations aim to address these issues. Critique public narratives by reflecting on how media portrayals and societal stereotypes about minority groups influence their treatment in the criminal justice process. Consider lived experiences by incorporating brief examples of qualitative research or case studies which help to highlight the personal experiences of minority group members interacting with the system.