Study Abroad Pre-Trip Interview
Criminal Justice in Scotland with Dr. Alexis Miller
In this Study Abroad interview I have added some photos from three years ago when I took this course. For anyone on the fence, this is trip is absolutely worth it.
While it is mainly advertised towards undergraduate students, MPA students are able to take this course as an elective.
What benefits come from learning about the criminal justice system in Scotland?
Answer: (1) The comparison of the two legal systems. Scotland has a mixed common law and civil law system, while we have a common law. Other than most criminal laws, the Scots rely on legislative law passed by Parliament. Criminal law has primarily been determined by legal precedent. (2) Scotland relies on a national police force called the Police Service of Scotland. Their criminal court system includes Justice of the Peace Courts, Sheriff Court (which is similar to Kentucky’s District Courts) and High Court of Justiciary which serve in a capacity like both our Circuit and Appellate Courts. This is the highest court for criminal cases, both trial and appellate. Additionally, their system of punishment and corrections is different from America’s. We rely heavily on harsh punishments, while the Scot’s use a case management approach which has resulted in a much lower recidivism rate among released offenders. (3) One of the most shocking differences students realize early on is that Scottish police do not carry firearms. Prior to going to Scotland most students do not understand how that is possible, but it seems upon returning, students have a better understanding of the cultural and legal differences which provides to a better understanding why this policy works.
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| Wallace Monument |
What are some places that students will be able to visit on this trip?
Answer: We land in Edinburgh early Saturday morning. After dropping our luggage off at the hotel, we will meet a tour guide in Old Town Edinburgh and go on a Crime and Punishment. Sunday we will visit Edinburgh Castle. On our way to Glasgow Monday morning will we stop and tour the private prison, HMP Addiewell. While in Glasgow we will visit the National Police Museum, spend some time in Glasgow’s Sheriff Court and tour HMP Barlinnie. Barlinnie prison was built in 1882 and is the largest prison in Scotland. On Thursday transportation is provided to Luss and Inveraray and along the Loch Lomond and while in Inveraray we will visit the Inveraray Historic Jail before returning to Glasgow that evening. Friday we will depart from Glasgow for Edinburgh. On the way we will stop at Sterling Castle and Wallace Monument (pictured to the right).
You have taught in class before; is there anything new planned, or changes made as a result of current events?
Answer: Since our first trip we have considered many changes but only made a few changes. The first year we went we stayed in a hotel outside of Edinburgh, close to the city zoo. We now stay in a hotel in the New City section of Edinburgh. We have considered visiting other cities and correctional institutions, but due to weather constrains during March in Scotland, we have chosen to remain in the southern part of the country.
Will students have assignments due while abroad?
Answer: There are no assignments due while in Scotland; however, student will be graded on their participation during group activities (Like participating in tours; below are students after the tour of Edinburgh Castle).
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| The study abroad class of 2017 outside Edinburgh Castle. |
What are you most looking forward to?
Answer: Visiting HMP Barlinnie (part of the prison picture below).
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| Outside one of the buildings that helps make up the largest prison in Scotland. |
What do you hope students get out of the trip?
Answer: The awareness of the cultural differences in the two Criminal Justice Systems.
What information do interested students need to know to apply for the trip?
Answer: The course is Criminal Justice Scotland, JUS 395. It is a 7 week online course in the first session of the Spring 2020 semester. Travel is mandatory. We will leave on Friday, March 6th in the morning and return on Sunday, March 15th. The cost of the trip is estimated between $3100 and $3500. This will include airfare, hotel, transportation to all course related activities, breakfast every day and two dinners. Students are responsible for their other meals and additional expenses. The course is designed for Criminal Justice Majors and Minors, but as long as we have seats in the class, we will accept other majors and minors. Registration for the course begins during Priority Registration; however, students interested must get instructor approval to register. They can do this by setting up an appointment with me at alexis.miller@nku.edu. Applications must be completed with the Office of Education Abroad by November 22, https://studyabroadapplications.nku.edu.
Students will need a valid Passport, https://inside.nku.edu/education-abroad/scholarships.html.
Are there any scholarships students can apply for?
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| The view surrounding Inveraray, and the Inveraray Historic Jail. |
For more information contact Dr. Alexis Miller at alexis.miller@nku.edu
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