Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - PHIL 329 D100

Law and Justice (3)

Class Number: 7355

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120W (or equivalent), 121, 220, 221, ENV 320W, or with permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores in detail the relationship between the law and theories of justice. Topics range over: the philosophy of punishment, theories of moral responsibility, charter equality rights, and theories of distributive justice. Students with credit for PHIL 333 in Spring 2016 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will examine philosophical issues regarding the criminal justice system. Questions discussed will include:

  • Is it justifiable to punish criminals who don’t pose a danger to others?
  • Can it be ethical to break the law as an activist strategy?
  • Can lawyers ethically defend murderers?
  • When is it appropriate to use risk-assessment algorithms during sentencing or bail decisions and do they replicate human prejudices?
  • What are the ethical responsibilities of government whistleblowers?

Course assignments will focus on helping students to analyze the arguments in course readings, to develop well-supported critiques of those arguments, and to defend those analyses in clearly written papers.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 329 is required for students doing a Philosophy Major or Minor with a Concentration in Law and Philosophy. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application. 

 

Grading

  • One 4-5 page paper 30%
  • One 8-10 page paper (preceded by a paper proposal) 50%
  • Quality of course engagement: quality of written work in five, short, reading response exercises + quality of contributions to class discussion, including in break-out groups + (optionally) quality of in-class worksheets 20%

NOTES:

Course delivery:  remote, synchronous.  All students must be available to participate in classes over Zoom during the scheduled class period.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course will meet over Zoom during the scheduled class period.  Students will need a microphone and high-speed internet access that will allow them to view live video and contribute to discussions and class activities over audio.  A camera is optional.  Technical specifications for compatibility with Zoom are available here

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available on the course website.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

New elective grade policy : P/CR/NC, pilot project for 2021 and Spring 2022. List of exclusions for the new policy. Specifically for Philosophy: 

  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any requirement for a major, joint major, honours, or minor in Philosophy (with the exception of Honours tutorials).
  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any prerequisite requirement for any PHIL course.
  • Students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any requirement for the Ethics Certificate, or the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate.
  • Philosophy Majors and Honours students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any WQB requirement.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.