LLAW1222 Issues in Criminal Law

2020

4.5

1 x 110-minute lecture weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly

1 Admission into BLAWLP-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
1a Admission into BLAWLPG-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry)
1b Admission into BLAWLPR-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
1c Admission into BLAWLPRG-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry)
1d Admission into BLAWLPRH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)
1e Admission into BLAWLPRGH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry) (Honours)
2 LLAW1212 - Criminal Law and Legal Method [Statutory Interpretation I]
2a LLAW1104 - Principles of Criminal Law and Procedure
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e) and (2 or 2a))

1 of LLAW1323, LLAW2102 has been successfully completed

Assignments; Tutorial participation.

This topic is designed to build upon and develop the skills and knowledge acquired in Principles of Criminal Law and Procedure. Issues in Criminal Law is organised on the basis that the skills acquired in the first semester of the Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice and Principles of Criminal Law [Statutory Interpretation I] in particular this topic will allow students to adopt an increasingly independent approach to their learning. Independent preparation and research are increasingly expected in this topic. Skills in case reading and statutory interpretation are extended, and an increasingly sophisticated grasp of the application of legal rules and of the critical analysis of legal rules and processes in context is both encouraged and expected. It provides a selective treatment of the elements of criminal procedure as well as range of selected offences, together with Principles of Criminal Law [Statutory Interpretation I], that include assault, homicide and defences, offences of strict and absolute liability, property offences, sexual offences and other such topics that may include attempts, complicity and fraud.

This topic aims to:

• provide a clear and structured understanding of central concepts and doctrines in criminal law
• generate a context in which students can reach a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the operation of the criminal law in social contexts
• provide a structured environment in which students can acquire and strengthen skills in team work, the construction and communication of written and oral argument, public speaking, legal research, statutory construction, case reading and the application of legal rules to practical situations
• in conjunction with Principles of Criminal Law, meet the Priestley admission requirements as they relate to criminal law by ensuring the teaching and assessment of studentunderstanding of the required range of doctrines and concepts

On completion of this topic, students will:

• have a sound understanding of a range of criminal offences
• be able to understand and apply foundational principles of statutory interpretation
• be able to identify the relevant authority and apply it in the resolution of problem-based questions related to criminal law
• be able to communicate their understanding of criminal law and procedure in written form
• act independently to achieve the above outcomes