Criminal Law 1: Foundations
| Module title | Criminal Law 1: Foundations |
|---|---|
| Module code | LAW1040C |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Caroline Keenan (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 120 |
|---|
Module description
This module is designed as a practical introduction to law and to the field of criminal law in particular, enabling you to understand key legal concepts and their application to real life situations. The syllabus is structured around the questions of what ‘crime’ is and when criminal law can and should be used. These considerations tap into much bigger questions about what is just and fair and what role we think criminal law and the criminal justice system does, can, and should play in society.
This module is one of the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board and it is therefore compulsory for all who wish to progress onto the vocational stage of training to become a barrister. Students interested in becoming solicitors under the Solicitors Qualifying Examination route should also take this module.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to make you fully conversant with the construction of criminal law operation of the criminal law within its social and criminal justice context In this module you will also develop core skills in using current criminal law in response to potential real-life criminal events. You will develop foundational skills in thinking and writing like a lawyer and in legal problem solving . These skills are practiced in class and assessed in assessment. You will also work to develop core skills in case and statute reading and application which support legal research, enabling you to complete your own research project in ‘Criminal Law 2 – Companies & Organisations’.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. explain and apply specific criminal offences and defences.
- 2. analyse the law in operation, in relation to criminal liability.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. use the IRAC method in legal writing at a foundation level
- 4. read and apply case and statute at a foundation level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate understanding and use of feedback in written work
Syllabus plan
Please note: this module syllabus (LAW1040C) is exclusively available to students on the Cornwall Campuses and differs materially from the criminal law syllabus of the Streatham Campus (LAW1003).
In this module we explore the foundations of criminal liability and the construction and application of criminal offences. Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover at least some of the following topics:
- The operation of the criminal justice system.
- How crimes are defined in a common law legal system: (i) the actus reus – criminal conduct (ii) mens rea – the requisite criminal mental state for liability and (ii) the absence of defence
- The application of criminal offences including (i) how non-fatal offences are constructed and questions of consent (ii) homicide offences (iii) a selection of other types of offences relating to people and property as
- specific and general defences.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 15 | 10 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 15 | 10 x 1.5 hour seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | 10 x 1 hour peer-led firm meetings |
| Guided Independent Study | 45 | Independent seminar preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 65 | Assessment preparation and writing |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 2-6 Learning Portfolio | 800 words | 1, 3-4 | Written tutor feedback |
| Group Problem scenario | 500 words | 1-4 | Oral and written self, peer and tutor feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Portfolio | 100 | 2,450 words | 1-5 | Written tutor feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Portfolio | Learning Portfolio 2,450 words | 1-5 | July reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Textbooks:
J. Loveless, M.Allen,C. Derry, Complete Criminal Law, (8th edn., OUP, 2023).
A P Simester, J R Spencer, F Stark, G R Sullivan, G J VirgoCriminal Law: Theory and Doctrine, (8th edn. Hart Publications, 2023)
J. Herring, Criminal Law: Text, Cases and Materials, 9th edn,OUP, 2020)
S. R. Kyd, T. Elliott and M. A. Walters Clarkson and Keating : Criminal Law (10th edn,Sweet and Maxwell 2020)
J. Horder, Ashworth’s Principles of Criminal Law, (10th edn, OUP, 2022)
D Ormerod and K Laird Smith, Hogan, & Ormerod's Criminal Law 16th ed. (OUP, 2021)
N. Monaghan, Criminal Law Directions, (7th edn. OUP, 2021).
P Joyce and W Laverick Criminal Justice - An Introduction (4th edn Routledge, 2023)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
You are expected to keep up to date with topical events. This is best done by reading newspapers such as The Times, The Guardian or The Independent. You may also find recent and current editions of specialist journals, in particular the Criminal Law Review and the Journal of Criminal Law are particularly useful.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 07/03/2022 |
| Last revision date | 25/04/2023 |
