Module Descriptors
CRIMINAL LAW
LAWS40896
Key Facts
Faculty of Business, Education and Law
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader:
Email:
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 64
Independent Study Hours: 236
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • MULTI-CHOICE TEST weighted at 50%
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
Allen M., Textbook on Criminal Law, Current Edition. Oxford University Press.
Card Cross Jones, Criminal Law, Current Edition, Oxford University Press
Padfield N., Criminal Law, Current Edition, Oxford University Press.
Module Additional Assessment Details
1 x 2 hour multiple choice test at the end of semester 1(50%). This test will assess learning outcomes 1 - 3

1 x 2 hour unseen examination (end of Semester 2) (50%). The examination will assess learning outcomes 1 and 4 - 6.

Students must achieve an overall mark of 40% averaged over both assessment elements and not less than 25% in each element.

Module Indicative Content
The module deals with doctrine in criminal liability and introduces aspects of theory. Selected areas, including contemporary proposals for reform, are subjected to a limited evaluative and critical approach.

- underlying theories and principles
- general elements of criminal liability
- general defences
- modes of participation in crime
- inchoate offences
- homicide and non-fatal offences against the person
- theft, fraud and related property offences
- ECHR and the Human Rights Act 1998
Module Learning Strategies
Whole group sessions - these sessions will seek to establish a framework within which selected theories and rules of criminal liability can be more effectively understood and developed, will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding previously developed, will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories and rules, and will develop approaches to problem-answering skills (2 hours per week x 22 weeks = 44 hours).

Small group sessions - working both independently and collaboratively, students will prepare selected topics for discussion as notified in materials accompanying whole group sessions. These sessions will encourage participation in a variety of ways, for example, as part of the general group, as an individual presenting a paper and as part of teams of varying sizes. The sessions will develop skills in recognition and selection of appropriate description, explanation and application of rules and principles, including recognition and selection of appropriate solutions to factual scenarios, skills in problem-answering, and will seek to encourage limited critical evaluation in selected areas. (10 hours per Semester = 20 hours).

Directed study and independent learning - this will consist of study to consolidate and develop understanding of aspects of doctrine and theory (introduced in whole group sessions) by reference to self-assessment materials, study and preparation for participation in discussion in small group sessions, simple directed research, study and preparation for formative multiple choice tests held in small group sessions, and preparation for the examination. (236 hours)

Total learning time = 300 hours
Module Resources
Appropriate texts, journals, legislation and case law.
Module Study Guide.
Preparatory lecture materials.
Computing facilities to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.