Module LAW3611: Criminal Law

Department: Law

LAW3611: Criminal Law

Prerequisites

• LAW1121 Introduction to English Law and Legal Method and LAW1091 UK Constitutional Law and LAW1081 Individual and the State.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide a general understanding of the nature and functions of the criminal law This will include both an understanding of the general principles of criminal law and the principles governing selected crimes.

Content

• Introduction to the criminal justice system; the general elements of criminal liability; defences; and the elements of selected offences.

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the criminal justice system; the general elements of criminal liability; defences; and the elements of selected offences in English and Welsh criminal law and analyse dynamic issues in a contemporary criminal law context.

• Students should be able to demonstrate a capacity to apply the subject knowledge to factual situations raising issues of law which may be uncertain and complex, and to the doctrinal coherence and consistency of English and Welsh criminal law.
• The ability to communicate legal arguments, findings, and solutions, in writing.
• The ability to use the English language and legal terminology with care and accuracy.

• Students will be able to independently identify relevant principles of law, apply those principles to problem questions, analyse relevant case law and identify legal and policy issues and arguments concerning various areas of criminal law.
• Students will be able to demonstrate established analytical and writing skills as well as the ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge to complex situations, to recognise potential alternative conclusions or solutions for particular situations, and to provide supporting reasons for them.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures are used primarily to impart knowledge and also to suggest approaches to analysis.
• Seminars will be used to develop and enhance students' capacity for legal-problem solving in a particular factual situation, analysing and to develop their appreciation of laws' linkage with broader fields of enquiry.
• There will be a formative assignment. The formative assignment will allow students to develop knowledge and skills required for the exam, and to receive feedback ensuring that they understand what is expected.
• The assessment will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a number of core areas in English and Welsh criminal law.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A short problem question in the style of those used in the summative assessment activity of no more than 1,500 words plus a working bibliography.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.