Skip to main content
LWM52

Youth justice

Module information>

Academic Direction
UCL, Queen Mary University of London
Modes of Study
Online

The course involves an in depth analysis of the theory and practice of law as it applies to children and young people who offend.

Youth justice law encompasses the legislation, processes and institutions involved in the treatment of children accused of committing criminal offences. Due to the specific needs and circumstances of children, youth justice forms a field of law which is distinct from the regular adult criminal justice system. The course will provide you with a rich and deep insight into this subject, with an overview of youth justice at a local (England and Wales) legal level, as well as that at the supranational (European Union and Council of Europe) level and on the international (United Nations) stage.

Module A: Introduction to youth justice: history and theory

LWM52A

  • History of youth justice
  • The welfare and retributive models
  • The restorative model

Module B: Youth justice law in England and Wales I: the internal dimension

LWM52B

  • Definitions, trends and youth justice legislation
  • Sentencing young offenders
  • Challenges and proposals for reform

Module C: Youth justice law in England and Wales II: the external dimension

LWM52C

  • Definitions, trends and international youth justice law
  • Sentencing young offenders
  • Challenges and proposals for reform

Module D: Comparative youth justice law

LWM56D

  • The Nordic social democratic model
  • The liberal Anglo-Saxon model
  • The Western European model

Assessment

Each module will be assessed by a 45-minute unseen written examination.

Sequence

It is strongly recommended you attempt the modules in order.

How to apply

You can apply to study a module individually as a standalone unit or as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Laws qualification.

These modules also contribute towards the following specialist pathways for Laws:

  • Common Law
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Family Law

Apply via Postgraduate Laws.