ATS3937 - Contemporary issues in European criminal justice - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Organisational Unit


Chief examiner(s)

Dr James Roffee


Dr James Roffee

Not offered in 2018


Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units.


ATS2937Not offered in 2018




The unit introduces students to the 'European' criminal justice system. It does so through the explanation and evidencing of the existence and construction of a 'European Criminal Law' despite the official discourse to the contrary. The unit provides an overview of the driving forces of Europeanization particularly in criminal law and criminal justice. It examines the impact of traditional European Union (Community) Law in the criminal sphere and assesses cooperation between countries. In particular the unit addresses contemporary issues of extradition and mutual assistance in the EU. Finally the unit explores the relationship between supra-national institutions of the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe and their intersection with different member states criminal laws and procedures.



  1. the key elements of the European criminal justice systems;
  2. the driving forces behind the harmonisation of different countries criminal laws and justice systems;
  3. the ways in which European countries are cooperating in matters of criminal justice.In addition third-year students will be required to demonstrate:
  4. a greater degree of critical analysis;
  5. wider reading and greater comprehension of European criminal justice issues.The unit seeks to enhance the ability of students to undertake independent research under the guidance of supervision.


Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements


See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study