The module deals with the doctrine of criminal liability and the processes within the criminal justice system and introduces aspects of theory. Selected areas, including contemporary proposals for reform, are subjected to evaluative and critical approach.
Criminal Law

- general defences
- inchoate offences
- homicide and non-fatal offences against the person
- theft, fraud and related property offences

Criminal Justice System
Police Powers
Bail
Commencement of proceedings and ways in which criminal cases can be dealt with
Mode of trial hearings
Committal hearings
Format of a Crown Court trials
Youth Court
Sentencing: types of sentence and their purposes
Appeals

Whole group sessions - these sessions will seek to establish a framework within which selected theories and rules of criminal liability and criminal process 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.

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.

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 and preparation for the examinations.

Card Cross Jones, Criminal Law, Current Edition, Oxford University Press. Peter Jones, Interventions in criminal justice: A textbook for in the criminal justice system Current Edition, Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd.

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.

A task based portfolio weighted at 100%.