Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 329 D100

Law and Justice (3)

Class Number: 5920

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

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:

This course will focus on justice in relation to the criminal law and the practice of criminal punishment. Punishment is an unpleasant business that, by its very definition, seems to involve the intentional infliction of harm. Moreover, when the state becomes involved in punishment, it is drawn into highly controversial determinations about the wrongness of various actions; it faces difficult questions of fact that make it realistically impossible to avoid mistakenly punishing the innocent in at least some cases; and it must find a way to manage the vast disparity of power that exists between private individuals and the sprawling apparatus of the state itself. These and other concerns naturally provoke the challenge that the state should not be involved in administering punishment at all, but should rather limit itself to other, less risky and less harmful ways of regulating and responding to antisocial conduct. We will develop this challenge, explore possible alternatives to criminal punishment, and consider whether the practice of criminal punishment can ultimately be justified.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

 

Grading

  • Quality of course engagement, including attendance, regular in-class written exercises, and contributions to class discussions 30%
  • Mid-term exam (in person) 20%
  • Interactive oral assessment 10%
  • Final exam (in person) 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available on Canvas

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 philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.