LW6009 - Sentencing and Punishment

The module will utilise lectures and seminars to develop your practical thinking on the areas mentioned above. The lectures will cover the basic theoretical and legal frameworks of the topics outlined above. Seminars will provide an opportunity to discuss sentencing and punishment in the context of real-life cases and hypothetical scenarios, as well as issues faced by practitioners, thereby consolidating your understanding and emphasising the practical implications of the law. You will be assessed by a written piece of coursework (100% of the final mark), which will take place in the Semester 2 assessment period.

The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research and practice experience in this area. As such, they will provide academic support where necessary. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding.

The module will make use of the eLearning Portal where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings, and other learning support will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources which you are encouraged to explore in addition to the material covered in lectures.

The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library.

The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research and practice experience in this area. As such, they will provide academic support where necessary. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding.

The module will make use of the eLearning Portal where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings, and other learning support will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources which you are encouraged to explore in addition to the material covered in lectures.

The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the university library.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Students will develop knowledge of the theories of punishment and the practice of sentencing.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• Students will develop an understanding of theories of punishment and the practical elements of sentencing and be able to apply them in a specific factual context.

• Students will be able to demonstrate thorough understanding of sentencing legislation and procedure and apply this to a given factual scenario.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Students will demonstrate a critical awareness of how sentencing operates in the criminal courts in England and Wales.
• Students will increase their global/cultural awareness through exploring alternative approaches to sentencing in other jurisdictions.

Formative Assessment

Students will be given regular feedback throughout the module in seminars. Formative assessment will be achieved via group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed work.

Summative Assessment

Students will be assessed by means of a 2,500-word piece of written coursework critically evaluating sentencing law issues. This will constitute 100% of the marks for this module. The assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning. Students will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of reflective development, such feedback can be utilized in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.

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This module will provide a thorough structural analysis of the law of sentencing in England and Wales, and explore a range of issues relating to theories of punishment and sentencing practice. You will explore different rationales for punishment, such as retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation, to consider why we punish. The current legal framework (mainly: the Sentencing Act 2020) will be explored and systematically studied, including custodial sentences, fines and community penalties..

Research underpins the module and the assessment process. The teaching team are research active in this area and will therefore structure teaching around their research. This will ensure that the module is research led. The module’s blend of theory and practice will enhance critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside development of an in-depth understanding of a complex area of law. These are skills which are highly desirable to employers.