Prisoners are among the most disadvantaged end-users of the legal system. The way we treat prisoners is contextualised by a variety of historical, social and economic factors. The way we treat prisoners is also contextualised by what we think we know, and what we’re told, about the place of punishment in a modern criminal justice system. Similarly, but often overlooked, the way prisoners are treated is sometimes reflected in the way we teach, train, recruit and support the uniformed and non-uniformed staff who work with and look over them. This course will consider the dilemmas of corrections in Australia and explore the ways in which reform in corrections can lead to improved socio-legal outcomes for prisoners.

The course will give students a better understanding of the theory and contemporary practice of reforming law in the corrections context, and they will participate in learning activities designed to develop understanding of the various reasons for reforming the law in this context. The divide between juvenile justice and adult corrections will be explored, as will pathways to prison (from the outside to the inside). The purpose of punishment and new wave emphasis on rehabilitation will be examined, as will the application of human rights in prisons and the importance of external oversight of the conditions of detention (inside).

The course will also examine the transition and reintegration of prisoners from places of detention to the community (from the inside to the outside). Justice reinvestment will be examined as an example of one framework designed to reform reliance on custodial arrangements.

At the end of the course, students will:

•  Have specialised knowledge and skills, especially with respect to research, in the area of corrections and law reform, especially insofar as reforming the law impacts on places of criminal detention in particular.
• Have an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in the area of law reform efforts in juvenile justice or adult corrections.
• Be able to analyse critically, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories as they apply in the area of juvenile justice, adult corrections and law reform.
• Be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability and responsibility as a learner.

Class Participation (inclusive of online discussion 10%)
Short Essay (2,000 words 30%)
Research Project (4,000 words, 60%)

Intensive Delivery over 4 days

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A full reading list will be provided in the Course Outline 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.

Students will need access to internet.