This course provides an overview of the field of criminal law and the offences that are dealt with in both Magistrates' and Crown Courts. The topics of rape, assault, motoring offences, theft, public order offences and drug-related offences comprise some of the many subject areas discussed. Running alongside each seminar will be coverage and analytic discussion of the critically acclaimed USA fiction legal series 'Murder 1', which provides a contemporary and stimulating approach to this profoundly interesting area of law. This module assumes no previous knowledge of criminal law. Following successful completion of this module, a number of students have entered the legal profession or commenced further studies in law. METHODS OF TEACHING: Weekly 2-hour lectures and group work (42 contact hours). METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: Continuous assessment based on class participation, class test (open book) and assignment demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Knowledge and Understanding:

*identify the area of Criminal Law that is relevant to a given problem

*state the relevant law applicable

*cite statutory or case authority for the propositions of law that have been identified as being relevant to the given problem

*explain the application of the law to the given facts

*point out any uncertainties in the law as it applies to the given facts

*conclude the most likely outcome when applying the law to a given set of facts

*evaluate critically the Criminal Law

*suggest possible reform of the Criminal Law

Lectures and discussions

 Min. 40 contact hours

Intellectual Skills:

* relate provided material and material individually researched to the topics studied

* show an understanding of the topics through explanations in both written and oral form

* consider arguments/opinions and show an understanding and knowledge of relevant  legal authorities

* develop own learning through reading and research of topics under study

* be aware of how and why the particular cases and legislation are used in given topics

 Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

 * consider legal problems and apply relevant law to given situations

* maintain knowledge and understanding through reading information on current debates/reforms

 Transferable Skills:

 * communicate effectively in both written and oral forms

* work effectively on an individual and group basis

* make notes from class lectures and other sources

* research and collate data from a variety of sources

1 x 30-minute class test

2 x 1500-word assignments

Introduction to Criminal Law, definition of Criminal Law, Criminal Law and social changes, classification of criminal offences, the classification of the Criminal Law

Actus Reus – guilty act

Mens Rea – guilty mind

Murder, malice aforethought, intention and foresight and Mens Rea, proof of guilt and the penalty for murder

Defence of provocation, in respect of both the common law and statute, self-induced provocation

Defence of diminished responsibility, essence of the plea, effects and criticism of the plea

Involuntary manslaughter, nature of manslaughter, unlawful act, dangerous act, gross negligence, recklessness

Grievous bodily harm

Theft, robbery, burglary

Criminal damage

Sexual offences

Defences to criminal acts