Advanced Criminal Law
Module summary
Module code: LAW1243
Level: 6
Credits: 30
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Law and Criminology
Module Coordinator(s): Carol Withey
Specification
Pre and co requisites
Criminal law.
Aims
The course will build on Criminal Law and will focus on forms of criminal liability and a range of topical specialist offences that are not usually studied on the core undergraduate Criminal Law Course. The course will develop research skills, critical analysis of real-life issues and cases involving the Criminal Law, and essay writing skills.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
1 Demonstrate advanced legal research skills.
2 Demonstrate advanced essay writing skills.
3 Demonstrate the ability to review, examine and reflect upon a range of criminal offences, some criminal defences and various forms of criminal liability.
4 Where appropriate, demonstrate an understanding of the offences and defences studied in their social and political context.
5 Where appropriate, demonstrate an awareness of the topics studied in their practical context.
Indicative content
A selection from the following non-exhaustive list: Possession of Offensive Weapons; Poisoning; Harassment; Stalking and related offences; Domestic Violence; Coercive Control; Female Genital Mutilation; Cyber Bullying and Malicious Publications, including Revenge Porn and Extreme Pornography; Sexual Offences, including, Sexual Assault, Assault by Penetration, Grooming, and Offences Against Children; Hate Crimes, including Racially Aggravated Offences and Inciting Hatred; Public Order Offences; Homicide Offences, Theft related offences, including Blackmail and Handling Stolen Goods, Fraud related Offences, including Obtaining Services Dishonesty and Making off Without Payment.; Cyber Dependent Crimes, including Computer Misuse and Hacking; Offences involving Drugs; Criminal Damage and Arson; Road Traffic Offences; Terrorism Offences; Forms of Liability, including Corporate Liability and Joint Enterprise.
Teaching and learning activity
The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and group work.
Assessment
Essay on a topic from Term 1: 40% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3 & 4.
Word Length: 3000 words.
Outline Details: Essay involving research element.
Exam: 60% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Outline Details: 3 out of a choice of 8 questions.
Nature of FORMATIVE assessment supporting student learning
Seminars on each topic with suggested bullet point answers for self-reflection and marking