Session Commencement: 2:00 p.m. (AEST)
Reminders:
Keep camera and microphone off unless in small groups or reporting.
Be mindful of netiquette (internet manners).
Session is recorded, including chat.
Instructor: Dr. Lacey Schaefer
Module 2 Summit: Definitions and Measurements for 1013CCJ: Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Institution: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Recognition of traditional custodians of the land by Griffith University.
Respect paid to Elders, past and present, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Institution: Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Overview of the Module 2 Summit at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Key Topics:
Questions?
Module 1: The Criminal Justice System
Module 2:
Defining Crime
Measuring Crime
Course reminders
Section dedicated to questions at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Overview of the Criminal Justice System at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Basis of Criminal Justice System: 'social contract'
Exchange of freedoms for rights with an agreement to abide by the law.
Authority to punish for wayward conduct and reliance on various theories for punishment.
Not a singular 'system'; features:
Separation of powers
Non-integration but alignment
Jurisdictional fragmentation and lack of coordination
Major components:
Police
Courts
Corrections
Affiliated organizations (public/private) and social services
Flow of typical processes and outcomes within the criminal justice system:
Offence recognition and investigation stages
Charging, adjudication, and sentencing processes
Possible outcomes (including appeals and community corrections)
Visual summary based on the Productivity Commission 2018 report.
Survey results on surprising decision-making actors:
Magistrate or judge: 20.4%
Prosecutor: 7.5%
Public: 7.5%
Other actors: corrections officer, victim, police officer, offender
Workforce and capacity data:
50k+ sworn police officers
17k+ prison officers
100+ custodial correctional facilities
Daily correctional populations: 100k+ (40k+ custodial)
Average costs per prisoner per day: $215
Community corrections population: 60k+ (avg. cost $22)
Corrections system operating at 116% capacity
Indermaur & Roberts (2009) study findings:
Confidence in police and court effectiveness and corruption levels.
Corrections: High levels of lack of confidence in rehabilitation and deterrence capabilities.
Average citizen perception: sentencing too lenient
Judges and magistrates typically impose harsher punishments than public suggests.
Distinction between general and specific deterrence
Statistics demonstrating overestimation of imprisonment effects on crime rates
Recidivism data: 1/4 of detainees re-arrested within three months, 1/2 of ex-prisoners revert to corrections in two years.
Title: Defining Crime at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Definitions of crime:
Dictionary-based
Legal
Harm-based and human rights perspectives
Comparison of harm caused by different substances on individuals and communities:
Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription drugs, Illicit drugs
Distinctions among:
Criminal offenses
Regulatory offenses
Civil offenses
Overview of criminal law sources in different Australian states and territories:
Criminal codes vs. Common law
Historical context of law drafting by Sir Samuel Griffith in the 1890s.
Changes in criminalized behaviors driven by:
Social and technological changes
Evolving morality
Campaigns for legal reform
Key purposes of sentencing:
Retribution, Deterrence (general and specific), Incapacitation, Rehabilitation, Alternative justice forms.
Further details available on Module 2 Meanderings and Musings page
Discussion points:
Truth in sentencing
Concurrent/suspended sentences
Parole policies
Mandatory vs. discretionary sentencing
Title: Measuring Crime at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Crime measurement influences crime definition, prevention, and responses.
Public opinion poll results regarding ICE epidemic perceptions
Factors driving community focus on rare crimes and moral panic.
Gatekeeping role of community members in the justice system
Explanation of the 'dark figure of crime'
Types of crime data:
Administrative, Offender data, Victimization data, Observational data
Overview of ANZSOC categories including homicide, assault, robbery, etc.
Variability in definitions and measurements affecting time and place comparisons.
Types of studies:
Quantitative studies
Qualitative studies
Overview of reminders related to upcoming course tasks.
Key assessment details including timelines and requirements for Assessment 1, covering Modules 1, 2, and 3.
Preparation steps for assessments and familiarity with course requirements.
Open floor for questions at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.