NCJ Number
74372
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the many functions of the Australian Institute of Criminology from a criminologist's perspective, focusing on its role in the area of criminal justice education.
Abstract
In addition to its major objective of crime prevention, the Australian Institute of Criminology is involved in improving the criminal justice system. One of the ways in which this aim could be effectively pursued is by improving legal education at all levels, inside and outside of law schools. All schools should be involved in legal studies under the Institute's sponsorship, so that young people could learn how to participate in their country's judicial process. A survey of South Wales high school students tested their knowledge of simple law-related matters. The findings suggested that students had a good understanding of why crime is committed and obstacles to the criminal justice system's attainment of its goals to enforce laws and punish criminals. Obvious gaps appeared in factual knowledge, such as differences between civil and criminal law. The Australian Institute of Criminology can further its crime prevention objectives by sponsoring special services within schools and involving teachers in the planning of effective crime prevention program for students. Tabular data in the results of the law education survey and the survey instrument are appended.