Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice (GSS521)

GSS521 Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice provides students with an introduction into the dynamic world of applied criminology, with a focus on comparative perspectives. Students will explore the most pressing and rapidly evolving issues in criminology and criminal justice within Singapore, Southeast Asian nations, and on the global stage. Drawing on crime trends and criminology research studies, students will critically examine the criminal justice systems in these varied contexts and how they are shaped by unique historical, cultural, and policy factors. Throughout the course, students will be equipped with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of crime and justice across different regions. They will learn about innovative approaches to tackling modern challenges, such as environmental crime, human trafficking, the illicit trade in cultural artifacts, risk assessment in offender management, and the use of creative solutions in sentencing, drawing on best practices from around the world. This course aims to develop the interest in comparative criminology, by providing students with the tools to understand and address the complex issues at the forefront of criminology globally. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply theoretical insights to real-world problems and contribute to shaping more effective and equitable responses to crime in diverse contexts.

• Theoretical Approaches to Criminology
• Practical Strategies for Crime Prevention
• The Criminal Justice System in Action
• Contemporary Methods for Preventing Crime
• Critical Examination of a Specific Criminal Justice Policy
• Gender and Crime
• The Impact of Technology on Criminology
• Crime and Social Inequality
• The Future of Criminology and Justice
• Ethics and Accountability in Criminology and Justice
• International Standards and Reform Efforts
• Practice and Future Directions

• Discuss the effectiveness of the criminal justice system (CJS) in addressing specific issues
• Appraise the field of criminology and the changes related to new theories, findings, and challenges
• Examine ways to strengthen the link between research and policy
• Demonstrate how theories about crime and offending inform the development of policies and interventions
• Analyse the connection between research and criminal justice policies and practices
• Formulate strategies and innovative solutions in addressing critical criminal issues