1. Identify key facts and principles governing criminal liability and relate these to the applicable law.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Analyse problem situations and apply law to provide appropriate solutions

Problem solving
Analysis

3. Describe and appraise the procedures and processes involved in the criminal justice system for the Magistrates’, Crown courts and Higher Courts.

Learning
Analysis

The assessment is a closed book two-hour examination that is designed to test the application of criminal law by learners.

This is a computer-based examination. The first part is single best answer multiple choice test with short problem-based questions in a style similar to the SQE. The second part comprises short problem-based questions. The examination assesses all three learning outcomes.

Learners will gain a basic knowledge of the sources of criminal law, and how it is made and developed, together with a consideration of the institutions within which criminal law is administered and the personnel who practice it.

Learners are required to both identify and apply legal principles of criminal law. Tutors will facilitate learning about core principles of criminal liability including actus reus and mens rea, specific and general defences, and participation.

Tutors will introduce procedures and processes followed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) including a consideration of magistrates’ courts and Crown Court trials, including appeals.

Learners are expected to draw on and apply knowledge of the following areas of law:

The core legal principles relating to a range of criminal offences including homicide, non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, theft and theft-related offences, fraud and criminal damage offences. Learners will gain an insight into secondary participation and attempts.

On this module, you will learn about the purpose of criminal law, the operation of the criminal courts, and the general principles and key elements of criminal liability. You will study the general defences and learn how people can avoid criminal liability by excusing or justifying their actions. Next, you will explore a variety of criminal offences, including property offences, non-fatal offences against the person, homicide, and the sophisticated discourse around manslaughter.

Indeed, the study of criminal law is fascinating, yet it can also be challenging. Throughout this module, you will develop your analytical and problem-solving skills by working through several complex case scenarios, aimed at teasing out several legal themes. With an emphasis on application, analysis, and problem solving, the module also seeks to provide you with the necessary skills to gain employment in the many agencies that make up the criminal justice sector.

1-hour lecture.

2-hour workshop.

The sessions consist of face to face and online learning experiences; learners will be presented with engaging and accessible activities, which will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills of evaluation, and reflection. The planned activities will also promote active learning, self-directed study, and growth mindsets. Tutors will facilitate learning to promote employability and digital competencies for the legal sector with a focus on criminal law.

Learners will be provided with opportunities to engage in reading and analysis of academic texts, Law Commission reports and contemporary cases to ensure success in the summative assessment. Tutors facilitate digital skills throughout the module through use of Blackboard and Teams; learning outcomes will be constructed using Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Loveless, J. Allen, M. and Derry, C. (2022). Complete Criminal Law: Text, Cases, and Materials. 8th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Complete Criminal Law is available via the Oxford Law Trove and access is free via the university’s subscription.

Finch, E. and Fafinski, S. (2023) Law Express: Criminal Law. 9th edn. London: Pearson.

Horder, J. (2022). Ashworth's Principles of Criminal Law. 10th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Monaghan, N. (2022) Criminal Law Directions. 7th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ormerod, D. and Laird, K. (2024). Smith, Hogan, & Ormerod's Criminal Law. 17th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press