School of Law  
 
 
LAW-20028 Criminal Law I  
Co-ordinator: Prof Martin Wasik    Room: CBC1.021, Tel:34363  
Teaching Team: Prof Martin  Wasik, Prof Alex  Sharpe, Ms Margaret  Moyden, Dr Sotirios  Santatzoglou, Mr John  Danaher, Miss Danielle  Beech,  Michael  Jefferson  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733218
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Law Dual Honours (Level 2)
Law Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
None
Description

The criminal law has a critical and high profile role in modern society. This module addresses basic questions regarding its scope and the conditions under which it is appropriate to impose criminal liability. Should a person who carelessly sets fire to a building be guilty of arson? Should a person who kills following years of domestic abuse or whilst extremely drunk be guilty of murder or manslaughter? To what extent should people be permitted to use force in defence of themselves or property? The principles governing the courts&© approach to questions such as these are contested and shaped by a range of political, social and theoretical considerations. This module explores these issues in order to provide a critical understanding of a key area of law.
Aims
To introduce students to the role of criminal law in modern society
To locate criminal law within its social and political context
To develop students&© skills in analysing problems and critically evaluating the criminal law
To develop students&© understanding of theoretical issues surrounding the criminal law
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an ability to access, to understand and to critically appraise basic concepts in criminal law through cases and statutes will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Demonstrate an ability to answer problem questions in criminal law by appropriate use of relevant legal materials will be achieved by assessments: 2
Demonstrate the development of a critical appreciation of the criminal law in its theoretical, social and political context will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Study hours
Lecture (18) hours
Seminar (5) hours
Examination (2) hours
Seminar Preparation 50 hours
Exam Preparation 50 hours
Private Study 25 hours
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay
1,000 word essay
02: 2 Hour Mixed Exam weighted 100%
2 hour exam, 1 unseen and 1 seen question
One unseen problem question and a seen essay question.
Version: (1.05A) Created: 01/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.