Objectives:
This course offers a specialist understanding of criminal policies including theories of
punishment, their supposed philosophical and sociological justifications and the problem of
exercise of discretion in sentencing. In addition the course introduces students to the discipline of
victimology which will shift the study from accused centric approach to much needed victim
centric approach.
Course contents:
UNIT -I
Introduction: Notion of punishment in law;
Difference between crime prevention and control;
Theories of punishments.
UNIT - II
Kinds of punishment;
Sentencing policies and processes;
the riddle of capital punishment.
UNIT - III
Prison reforms;
Alternatives to imprisonment;
Victimology- Introduction, history and philosophy.
UNIT -IV
Victimology- European experience;
American experience;
programmes; Restitution.
Victim witness assistance
UNIT - V
Victimology – Indian experience; Legal framework; Role of Courts; Role of NHRC.
Prescribed Books:
Sutherland, Edwin H., Principles ofCriminology, 11′ Edition, (Rowan & Little field, 1992)
Qadri, Syed M. Afzal, AhmadSiddique ‘sCriminology and Penology, (Eastern Book Co., 2009)
Rajan,V.N., Victimology in India: Perspectives beyond Frontier, (APH Publishing, 1995)
Reference Books:
H.LA. Hart, ,Punishment and Responsibility.
S. Chabra, Quantum of Punishment in Criminal Law.
Herbert L. Packer, The Limits of Criminal sanctions.