Units / FOR5008
FOR5008 · Custodial medicine
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The aim of this unit is to present and discuss the current issues arising from the provision of a medical service in a custodial setting. The topics covered provide insights into the health impacts of penal institutions and the powers and responsibilities of custodians; ethical issues; fitness for interview; fitness for detention; deaths in custody; interpersonal violence and the assessment and management of some frequently presenting medical problems (specifically mental illness and addiction).
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assessment 1: Case Study 1 (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 2 | Assessment 2: Case Study 2 (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 3 | Assessment 3: Oral Presentation (15 minutes) | Presentation | 25% | Competency |
| 4 | Assessment 4: Essay (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate the responsibilities and powers of custodians;
- Distinguish between the functions and purposes of custodial and penal institutions;
- Outline procedures for investigating complaints by prisoners, and the issues surrounding deaths in custody;
- Evaluate the ethical issues of the doctor/patient relationship in a custodial setting;
- Conduct an assessment of an individual's fitness to be interviewed or detained in custody;
- Create management strategies for a range of medical problems presenting in the custodial setting;
- Identify and evaluate the challenges related to safe prescribing of medications in a custodial environment.
Workload
It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the semester. This will include contact time, private study, assessment tasks (case studies, assignments) and, where possible, involvement in casework. You are required to attend all workshops offered at the Department of Forensic Medicine during the semester.
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