Course Title: From Investigation to Prosecution

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: From Investigation to Prosecution

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

JUST2303

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2015

JUST2304

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2015

Course Coordinator: Alan Ogilvie

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9656

Course Coordinator Email: alan.ogilvie@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you will consider the complex nature of investigative processes through evidence identification, collection, analysis, interpretation and application. An exploration of legislation, powers and key case law will underpin your learning, along with analysis of key theories as they pertain to investigation. Taking the perspective of a law enforcement or compliance officer, you will explore the investigations process from initial complaint through to prosecution. Also, you will consider the range of technological tools available to you as an investigator or compliance officer, as well as basic rules of good interviewing practice and your status as a professional witness.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to solve a range of problems associated with the investigation of selected crime scenarios.
  • Articulate issues and critically discuss contemporary investigative processes
  • Describe and analyse the prosecutorial process and the function of a professional witness



Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be explained and illustrated in lectures, guest seminars and online notes, with opportunities to develop your analytical skills in group problem solving exercises and individual activities. Your learning will be supported by constructive participation in group discussions, and through engaging with readings, and diverse in class and/or online exercises.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. You will have access to extensive course materials on myRMIT Studies, including digitised readings, lecture notes and a detailed study program, external internet links and access to RMIT Library online and hardcopy resources.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on the above learning outcomes. Your capability to think about, plan for and undertake an investigation will be developed through assignments that require you to identify and analyse evidence as part of an investigation. A range of assessment tasks will be utilised and may include essay, presentation, group work, tests and online activities.

  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment