030282 SE Transnational Organised Crime, Trafficking in Persons, Smuggling of Migrants (2018S)

This course introduces students to contemporary and significant issues relating to criminal justice, politics, and public discourse, focusing specifically on transnational organised crime, trafficking in persons, and smuggling of migrants. Students in this course undertake directed research on selected issues relating to the criminology, policies, laws, criminal procedure, law enforcement and judicial practice in this field. Particular attention is given to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, their development and interpretation, implementation into domestic law, and their application in real cases. The course involves comparative analysis between continental European and common law jurisdictions and their criminal justice systems (focusing specifically on Australia and Austria).

This course also provides students from The University of Queensland School of Law and the University of Vienna Faculty of Law with an opportunity to engage in research-led learning, exchange ideas and discuss contemporary criminal justice matters in an academic setting, conduct supervised research work, engage with experts, relevant organisations and other stakeholders in the field, and gain in an international environment. Student involvement in this course combines independent research with team-based learning. The course involves frequent in-class debates, with students expected to lead discussions, present their findings, conduct peer review of other students’ research, and work together towards common goals. This course serves to improve communication and collaboration between students and encourages greater involvement in the universities’ research activities.