CRIM2301 Criminal Law in Context

This topic explores how criminal law is constructed by the legislature, the courts, lawyers and law enforcement agencies. Students will study the nature of criminal law and criminal procedure, including criminal responsibility, offences, defences, evidence and police powers. Particular areas of criminal law will be examined in some depth in order to explore how the criminal law works in action. These areas might include: domestic violence, one-punch laws, bail laws, drug laws, anti-gang laws, sentencing, and counter-terrorism legislation.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the basic principles of criminal law and procedure
• Provide knowledge of the criminal process, including the role of its constituent institutions and actors (courts, lawyers, prosecutors, police)
• Provide an understanding of key areas of criminal law in action, eg. Drug laws, bail, sentencing, one-punch laws

1. Identify and explain the principles of criminal responsibility, including the defences
2. Map out and provide an account of the operation of the elements of the criminal process
3. Read and interpret criminal statutes and cases
4. Apply a knowledge of the criminal law and its role in areas of social life where its influence is greatest
5. Demonstrate an attitude toward critical analysis that supports gaining knowledge of the criminal law in the application of social control objectives