LAW4332 - Criminal law and procedure 2 - 2018

The unit reviews the general principles and aims of the criminal law and criminal justice system in light of Australia's international obligations and building upon the units previously studied including contract, property and corporations law. It examines principles of criminal responsibility including corporate criminal responsibility, and offences against the property interests of a range of legal persons. It also examines drug offences, as well as the significant role criminal laws play in regulating behaviour through strict liability and inchoate offences. It then considers procedural steps in the criminal process, including the role of discretion and mechanisms for accountability.

At the successful completion of this Unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of criminal law and procedure, building upon learning in previous units;
2. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect on ethical issues that arise in criminal law practice and the professional responsibilities of lawyers;
3. Interpret, synthesise and evaluate case and statute law and professional conclusions to provide appropriate jurisprudential and practical advice on complex legal problems;
4. Apply sophisticated legal skills of written communication to criminal trial practice; and
5. Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback, to support their personal and professional development.

1. Research paper (1500 words) in a specified professional format: 30%
2. Final examination (2 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 50%
3. Tutorial participation: 10%
4. Online task addressing statutory procedural requirements: 10%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcome for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information