MAXIMUM WORD LIMIT:     3,000 WORDS

Critically discuss to what extent the criminal justice system in England and Wales is failing victims of crime.

This is a wide ranging question designed to pull together some of the individual aspects of the module content. In this respect students may wish to approach this topic from some of the different issues that were looked at and discussed in lectures and seminars throughout the year. The following suggestions are a guide that could be looked at in isolation, recognising that there is always some overlap in these matters.

• The adversarial nature of the system frustrates both the victim and law enforcement and is biased in favour of the defendant.
• Whilst there have been allegations that the system discriminates against women, there is also evidence that many disadvantaged groups are discriminated against
• The system always has and always will neglect the crimes of the powerful.
• The Police, rooted in the past, are a sexist and racist institution overly concerned with ‘force’ not ‘service’
• There are few specific rights for victims and statutory codes like the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime are insufficient to ensure that victims are treated fairly and with compassion

Overall what is important is that the essay answers the question and complies with both the grading descriptors, and the overall assessment criteria below;

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:   []

Note

Your coursework must be submitted in both electronic and hard copy before the deadline.  E-mails or faxes will not be accepted.

All electronic copies will be checked for plagiarism and/or collusion using appropriate detection software. Coursework will also be checked to ensure that the word limit has been complied with.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Marks will be awarded for the following:

• Identification, knowledge, and understanding of relevant criminological issues.
• Explanation and critique of relevant criminological issues.
• Quality (and clarity) of explanation, reasoning and argument.
• Quality of written expression, syntax, grammar and spelling.
• Tenability of conclusion in the light of preceding discussion. (do not reach a conclusion that contradicts your earlier assertions).
• Demonstration of the quality of your research and referencing (including your use of a range of information from both primary and secondary sources)

WARNING:  PLAGIARISM & OTHER ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

You are reminded that plagiarism is an academic irregularity and may be subject to severe penalties, including your exclusion from the course.

When completing this coursework you must ensure that your answer complies with the regulations of Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham Law School with regard to academic irregularities.

RANDOM CHECKING AND PLAGIARISM DETECTION

All students are required to retain an electronic copy of their submitted coursework at least until such coursework has been marked and returned to them. Any student may be required to provide such electronic copy within two working days of the date of any such request. Such electronic copy may then be checked for plagiarism and/or collusion using appropriate detection software. Coursework may also be randomly checked to ensure that the word limit has been complied with.