Teaching Responsibility
LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:
Justice Studies
Learning Methods
Online
Module Offerings
7227PS-APR-MTP
7227PS-JAN-MTP
7227PS-SEP-MTP
Aims
This module aims to incorporate the ethical challenges associated with the investigation of homicide and the impacts of poor investigative practice on the legitimacy of policing.
Through an examination of historical and contemporary case studies and exploration of judicial reviews and serious case reviews into case failure, the module seeks to develop students’ understanding of how and why success was achieved and equally, how the legacy of failure has brought about change to investigative practice in the homicide environment.
The module aims to illustrate how theoretical perspectives can promote good practice and help avoid future investigative failure.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Critically evaluate investigative failures and how breaches in ethical standards have influenced contemporary homicide investigations.
2.
Reflect upon, analyse and evaluate how case failures impact on the legitimacy of policing.
3.
Critically evaluate how theory links to practice and synthesise understanding to minimise the potential for case failure.
4.
Research relevant literature, interpret and critically evaluate its relationship with the investigation of homicide.
Module Content
Outline Syllabus:The syllabus may be influenced as the contemporary landscape changes, however students would expect to inquire into;
Police legitimacy and the consequences of poor investigative practice.
Peter Sutcliffe (Yorkshire Ripper) and the Byford Report (1981);
Colin Stagg/Robert Napper and the investigation into the murder of Rachel Nickell (1992)
Stephen Lawrence and the MacPherson Report (1999);
The fatal police shooting of John Carthy, (2000)
The investigation into the death of Damilola Taylor, (2000)
The lessons learnt from the murders of Harold Shipman, (2002).
The cumulative failure of mistakes, misjudgements and miscommunications in the case of Anthony Rice (2005)
The challenges associated with the murder of Rhys Jones, (2008)
The investigation into the murder of Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden Edwards, (2011);
The investigation into the death of Poppi Worthington (2014)
Additional Information:There are no professional body requirements at this stage, however developments associated with the College of Policing and other relevant government departments will be monitored and where appropriate, incorporated into module content.