Victimology and the Criminal Justice System (B-KUL-C02A0A)
Aims
• Knowledge: historical and theoretical developments in victimology, with a focus on the role of victimology towards criminology in general; empirical research findings (taking into account research methodology) on the phenomenon of victimisation, victims' needs and the effectiveness of victim assistance programmes; the institutional and legal frameworks which are relevant for victims, in particular in the context of criminal justice; policy developments at both national and international level. The process of acquiring knowledge is characterised by an optimal integration of historical, theoretical, empirical, practice and policy oriented aspects, and the contextualisation of developments in an international environment.
• Skills: studying the subject matter in an autonomous way according to the concept of guided self-study: analysing literature, applying victim related provisions to concrete cases, confronting the subject matter with personal knowledge and life situation, and with current developments in society; further consulting different sources in an independent way; developing on-going knowledge.
• Attitudes: adopting a critical attitude vis-à-vis the phenomenon of crime, victimisation and societal/judicial interventions; recognising personal attitudes and feelings with regard to the subject matter.
Previous knowledge
Knowledge
• knowledge of a number of introductory notions and historical developments in criminology
• a certain basic knowledge in criminal law and law of criminal procedure
• a good basic knowledge of English and French
Is included in these courses of study
- Schakelprogramma: Master in de criminologische wetenschappen (Leuven) 83 ects.
- Schakelprogramma: Master in de criminologische wetenschappen (voor bachelors in de maatschappelijke veiligheid) (Leuven) 63 ects.
- Voorbereidingsprogramma: Master in de criminologische wetenschappen (voor academische bachelors en masters, studiegebieden psychologie, pedagogische wetenschappen, communicatiewetenschappen en politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie) (Leuven) 40 ects.
- Bachelor in de criminologische wetenschappen (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor in de criminologische wetenschappen (verkort programma) (Leuven) 130 ects.
- Voorbereidingsprogramma: Master in de criminologische wetenschappen (voor alle academische bachelors en masters) (Leuven) 63 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Law and Criminology (Leuven)
Activities
5 ects. Victimology and the Criminal Justice System (B-KUL-C02A0a)
Content
Theory:
- history of victimology and role in criminology
- (recent) theoretical and methodological approaches
- permanent (societal) discussion
Scientific, empirical research on the phenomenon of victimisation:
- describing the phenomenon of victimisation
- needs, problems and experiences of victims
- societal aspects and consequences of victimisation
- specific victim categories: sexual assault and domestic violence, victims of road traffic accidents, victims of terrorism
Practice and policy developments (national and internationaal perspective):
- origins and increase of attention for victims and general (policy) developments
- origins and evolution of diverse types of victim assistance within the police, criminal justice system and social work
- legal position of the victim in the subsequent phases of the criminal justice process (including the execution of the prison sentence)
- the emergence of restorative justice and its fields of application
- supranational regulation and its effectiveness
Course material
A reader with a selection of introductory texts on victimology (available via Criminology's course distribution service) and a Compendium on Victims' Legislation with international, national and regional instruments (publisher die Keure).
Format: more information
- Students participate in the lectures and meetings, active participation is encouraged
- Students write a short "reflection note" on a theme relevant in the field of victimology (individual assignment)
Evaluation
Evaluation: Victimology and the Criminal Justice System (B-KUL-C22A0a)
Explanation
The evaluation (20p) of Victimology and the Criminal Justice System is based on the following summarised component:
The exam (20p) tests the accurate knowledge and insight, the application skills to real situations and the critical-reflective ability.
Various components of the course must be mutually integrated.
If a student does not pass in the first examination period, a resit exam is provided in the second examination period.
If a student does not pass in the second examination period, the entire course has to be retaken.