JSB227 Case Studies in Criminal Prosecution

Unit Outline: Summer 2026, Online

Overview

The prosecution process is an evolving and dynamic element of criminal justice systems. In this unit, students will study a range of contemporary issues in Australian criminal prosecution. By examining various case studies in criminal prosecution, students will attain a deep understanding of the forces that shape criminal justice and legal practice in prosecution and how these processes have changed over time. Students will engage with a variety of sources to analyse and interpret various real world issues in criminal prosecution. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Identify and explain change over time in the history of criminal prosecution from 1800 to the present (Discipline Knowledge, Professional Ethics, Communication and Collaboration - CLOs 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
2. Analyse, interpret and reflect critically on key primary and secondary sources (Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Basic Research Skills, Indigenous Perspectives - CLOs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2)
3. Apply research methodologies to analyse key historical sources (Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Basic Research Skills - CLOs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2)
4. Evaluate the historical development of a real world issue in contemporary criminal prosecution (Professional Ethics; Communication and Collaboration; Critical Thinking and Basic Research Skills; Problem Solving Skills - CLOs 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2)

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is offered in online mode and has a multi-faceted approach to teaching that features the use of blended learning and multimedia resources, concentrating on constant interaction between students and teaching staff (including the implementation of an asynchronous Discussion Board and live masterclasses). Content will focus on real world case studies.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will be able to receive constant feedback via the unit's Discussion Board; they will also receive comprehensive personal feedback on the two assessment tasks.

Assessment

Overview

Refer to the unit Canvas site for complete details on assessment. Assessment for this unit is both summative and formative.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Poster

Students will undertake a case study in relation to criminal prosecution and present their findings in poster format. 

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Briefing Paper

You are in the role of a researcher and policy writer for an Indigenous not-for-profit agency. You will analyse a case study relating to a prosecution in order to prepare an advocacy-based response on behalf of the defendant. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.