Module catalogue: LL6080

LL6080 - Criminal Punishment - Policies and Practice (2026/27)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification

Module title

Criminal Punishment - Policies and Practice

Module level

Honours (06)

Credit rating for module

School

Guildhall School of Business and Law

Total study hours

150

114 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	100%		Written assignment (Up to 2,000 words)

Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Spring semester	North	-	-

Module summary

Penal Policy introduces theories of punishment from a criminological and sociological standpoint. It also deals with aspects of sentencing practice and procedure and allows students to participate in sentencing simulation exercises and debates. Certain categories of offender (e.g. young offenders, women) are considered in depth.

Finally, the issue of penal reform, including restorative justice, is addressed in the light of the most recent initiatives in the field.

We will also cover the following:

• techniques for the presentation of arguments relating to sentencing
• the institutional experiences of different categories of offenders in a range of penal institutions
• the possibilities for reform of the penal system

The aims of the module are as follows:
1. You will acquire knowledge of the theories of punishment and their historical roots with an emphasis upon critical discussion of the conceptual positions that underscore the system.
2. You will acquire knowledge of the range of sentencing options available to the courts and an awareness of the considerations that confront sentencers in making sentencing decisions.
several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of criminal law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources.
3. You will learn techniques for the presentation of arguments relating to sentencing
4. You will engage in a discussion of the institutional experiences of different categories of offenders in a range of penal institutions as well as in a general discussion of the possibilities for reform of the penal system
5. You will enhance your employability by the development of these skills, and by the practice of written communication activities (including summative) and oral communication activities (formative only).
6. You will gain increasing confidence, self-efficacy and emotional resilience as a result of sharing your opinions and research with other students in tutorial activities and group work. This is in accordance with the Identity, Personalisation and Reflection aims of the ESJ.

Syllabus

• Legal Ideology: an overview of leading legal ideologies and theories of punishment
• Deterrence
• Retribution/Just deserts
• Incapacitation
• Rehabilitation
• Consideration of the work of theorists such as Andrew von Hirsch, Michael Foucault, Jeremy Bentham
• Utilitarian philosophies of punishment
• The introduction of the Sentencing Code 2020
• Judicial approaches to sentencing using the Sentencing Guidelines
• Prisons and prison reform
• Women in prison
• Youth justice
• Sentencing Act 2020
• Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales (Victims' Code)
• The Code for Crown Prosecutors including Restorative Justice Processe
All these subjects pervade each of the Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Learning & Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.
The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.
Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.
There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Evaluate the main considerations facing sentencers in relation to simulated sentencing situations and decide on an appropriate sentence.
2. Demonstrate the ability critically to discuss case study problems relating to the syllabus, showing appreciation of uncertainties and ambiguities in legal principles and policy.
3. Demonstrate the ability to write critical, discursive essays relating to the topics covered in the syllabus, commenting on current research and primary sources.

Bibliography

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/02F8A141-F12B-FA47-F3E4-8B098EF9F45B.html