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0
B
Bailie Burnett
04/12/2025
Criminology
Unit 3 Coverall
1,029
•
4 Dec 2025
•
Complete Guide to Unit 3 Assessment
B
Bailie Burnett
@bailieburnett
1 / 4
WJEC Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma
This unit covers the journey from crime scene investigation through to prosecution and verdict. You'll develop a thorough understanding of investigative techniques, personnel roles, evidence processing, and the legal frameworks that govern criminal cases in the UK.
Pro tip: As you study this unit, collect real case examples for each section. Case studies are essential for exam success and will help you demonstrate your understanding in practical contexts.
Throughout this guide, we'll break down complex legal concepts into manageable chunks, making it easier to learn and apply these ideas in your assessments.
Topic 1: Criminal Investigations
Ever wondered how crimes actually get solved? This topic explores the people and techniques that make investigations work. To succeed, you need to understand four key areas:
Personnel effectiveness is about evaluating who does what in criminal investigations. You'll need to assess CSIs, forensic scientists, police officers, CPS staff and pathologists against factors like cost, expertise and availability. Think about why the right people need to be in the right roles at the right time.
Investigative techniques are the methods used to solve crimes. You should be able to explain forensic techniques, surveillance, profiling, intelligence databases and interview methods across different contexts - from crime scenes to laboratories. Consider how these techniques work differently for violent crimes versus property crimes or e-crimes.
Remember: For your controlled assessment, you only need to cover 4 investigative techniques, but understand how each technique applies to different situations and crime types.
Evidence processing involves understanding both physical and testimonial evidence. You must explain the journey evidence takes - from collection at the scene through transfer, storage and analysis. Cases like Barry George or Amanda Knox demonstrate how evidence handling can make or break a case.
Individual rights protect everyone involved in investigations. You need to examine how suspects, victims and witnesses are treated from investigation through to appeal. The balance between effective investigation and protecting rights is crucial to fair justice.
Topic 2: Prosecution and Trial
How does a suspect become a convicted criminal? This topic breaks down the legal process after the investigation ends.
The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to prosecute suspects. You need to explain their charging role (established in the Criminal Justice Act 2003), the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, and the Full Code Test which includes both evidential and public interest components. The CPS acts as a crucial filter in the justice system.
Trial processes follow a structured journey through the courts. You should describe pre-trial procedures, bail arrangements, plea bargaining, the different courts, and the appeals process. Each person in court has a specific role that contributes to justice being served.
Rules of evidence determine what information can be used in court. You must understand concepts like relevance, admissibility, disclosure requirements, and the hearsay rule with its exceptions. Without proper rules of evidence, fair trials would be impossible.
Exam tip: For each evidence rule, learn at least one case example where it significantly affected the outcome of a trial.
Key influences on case outcomes extend beyond just the evidence. You should assess how media coverage, witness testimony, expert opinions, police conduct, and legal teams affect verdicts. For your assessment, focus on at least four different influences, always supporting your points with case studies.
Laypeople play a vital role in our justice system. Juries and magistrates bring everyday perspective to legal decisions. You need to discuss at least three strengths and weaknesses of having non-professionals involved in determining guilt and innocence.
Topic 3: Review of Criminal Cases
This topic develops your critical thinking skills as you learn to examine case information and draw meaningful conclusions about justice.
Examining validity is about assessing the quality of information from sources like evidence, trial transcripts, media reports, and legal judgments. You'll need to check for bias, distinguish fact from opinion, consider the circumstances and currency of information, and verify accuracy. Think of yourself as a detective of information!
When reviewing cases, always ask yourself: "Is this source reliable?" and "What factors might influence how this information is presented?" Applying these questions to real cases helps develop your analytical skills.
Assessment tip: In your controlled assessment, you must apply these validity checks to the information provided in your brief, not just discuss them theoretically.
Drawing conclusions requires you to make judgments about verdicts and sentences. You should be able to explain concepts like just/unjust verdicts, safe/unsafe verdicts, just/unjust sentencing, and miscarriages of justice. Each conclusion must be supported with relevant case examples.
For your controlled assessment, you'll apply these skills to a specific scenario. You'll need to examine the information provided, check its validity, and draw reasonable conclusions about whether justice has been served. This demonstrates your ability to think critically about complex legal situations.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Complete Guide to Unit 3 Assessment
B
Bailie Burnett
@bailieburnett
Welcome to the Criminology Unit 3 study guide! This unit focuses on crime scene to courtroom, exploring how criminal investigations work, how prosecutions are brought forward, and how verdicts are reached. You'll learn about everything from crime scene investigation techniques... Show more
WJEC Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma
This unit covers the journey from crime scene investigation through to prosecution and verdict. You'll develop a thorough understanding of investigative techniques, personnel roles, evidence processing, and the legal frameworks that govern criminal cases in the UK.
Pro tip: As you study this unit, collect real case examples for each section. Case studies are essential for exam success and will help you demonstrate your understanding in practical contexts.
Throughout this guide, we'll break down complex legal concepts into manageable chunks, making it easier to learn and apply these ideas in your assessments.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Topic 1: Criminal Investigations
Ever wondered how crimes actually get solved? This topic explores the people and techniques that make investigations work. To succeed, you need to understand four key areas:
Personnel effectiveness is about evaluating who does what in criminal investigations. You'll need to assess CSIs, forensic scientists, police officers, CPS staff and pathologists against factors like cost, expertise and availability. Think about why the right people need to be in the right roles at the right time.
Investigative techniques are the methods used to solve crimes. You should be able to explain forensic techniques, surveillance, profiling, intelligence databases and interview methods across different contexts - from crime scenes to laboratories. Consider how these techniques work differently for violent crimes versus property crimes or e-crimes.
Remember: For your controlled assessment, you only need to cover 4 investigative techniques, but understand how each technique applies to different situations and crime types.
Evidence processing involves understanding both physical and testimonial evidence. You must explain the journey evidence takes - from collection at the scene through transfer, storage and analysis. Cases like Barry George or Amanda Knox demonstrate how evidence handling can make or break a case.
Individual rights protect everyone involved in investigations. You need to examine how suspects, victims and witnesses are treated from investigation through to appeal. The balance between effective investigation and protecting rights is crucial to fair justice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Topic 2: Prosecution and Trial
How does a suspect become a convicted criminal? This topic breaks down the legal process after the investigation ends.
The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to prosecute suspects. You need to explain their charging role (established in the Criminal Justice Act 2003), the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, and the Full Code Test which includes both evidential and public interest components. The CPS acts as a crucial filter in the justice system.
Trial processes follow a structured journey through the courts. You should describe pre-trial procedures, bail arrangements, plea bargaining, the different courts, and the appeals process. Each person in court has a specific role that contributes to justice being served.
Rules of evidence determine what information can be used in court. You must understand concepts like relevance, admissibility, disclosure requirements, and the hearsay rule with its exceptions. Without proper rules of evidence, fair trials would be impossible.
Exam tip: For each evidence rule, learn at least one case example where it significantly affected the outcome of a trial.
Key influences on case outcomes extend beyond just the evidence. You should assess how media coverage, witness testimony, expert opinions, police conduct, and legal teams affect verdicts. For your assessment, focus on at least four different influences, always supporting your points with case studies.
Laypeople play a vital role in our justice system. Juries and magistrates bring everyday perspective to legal decisions. You need to discuss at least three strengths and weaknesses of having non-professionals involved in determining guilt and innocence.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Topic 3: Review of Criminal Cases
This topic develops your critical thinking skills as you learn to examine case information and draw meaningful conclusions about justice.
Examining validity is about assessing the quality of information from sources like evidence, trial transcripts, media reports, and legal judgments. You'll need to check for bias, distinguish fact from opinion, consider the circumstances and currency of information, and verify accuracy. Think of yourself as a detective of information!
When reviewing cases, always ask yourself: "Is this source reliable?" and "What factors might influence how this information is presented?" Applying these questions to real cases helps develop your analytical skills.
Assessment tip: In your controlled assessment, you must apply these validity checks to the information provided in your brief, not just discuss them theoretically.
Drawing conclusions requires you to make judgments about verdicts and sentences. You should be able to explain concepts like just/unjust verdicts, safe/unsafe verdicts, just/unjust sentencing, and miscarriages of justice. Each conclusion must be supported with relevant case examples.
For your controlled assessment, you'll apply these skills to a specific scenario. You'll need to examine the information provided, check its validity, and draw reasonable conclusions about whether justice has been served. This demonstrates your ability to think critically about complex legal situations.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Case Study
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user