University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSNNJ-30-2 Title: Introduction to Criminal Law Version: 1

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology and Criminology

Valid from: Sept 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: FdA Criminology and Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students are expected to:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of criminal liability including the division of offences into (a) actus reus (b) mens rea (c) defences; and (d) the main specific offences: including: offences against the person; homicides; and property offences. (Assessment components A and B).

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the categorical divisions of actus reus into: (a) action; (b) consequences; and (c) surrounding circumstances. (assessment components A and B).

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the boundaries between the prescribed states of mind in the main categories of offences and be able to analyse this concept (assessment components A and B)

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the rules concerning the offences but also the coherence or lack of it underlying general defences (assessment components A and B).

    5. Demonstrate understanding of the homicide offences and an awareness of the proposed new offences (assessment components A and B).

    6. Demonstrate an ability to develop and present a coherent, analytical, well reasoned argument in essay form (assessment component B)

    7. Demonstrate an ability to make an informed contribution to group work and seminar discussions

Syllabus outline:

The aim of the module is introduce students to the substantive law of the English and Welsh criminal justice system. It will enable students to develop an understanding of the notion criminal liability and to be able to develop problem solving skills in response to scenario based questions. This will be done through an examination of criminal law statutes and case law. The student will also develop an awareness of the policy underpinning criminal liability. Throughout students will be encouraged to address critically the rules of law informed by current topical issues and case law.

The syllabus may vary from year to year but will generally include:

    • Elements of criminal offences: actus reus, mens rea

    • General defences of insanity, automatism, intoxication, mistake, self-defence, duress and necessity

    • Non Fatal Offences Against the Person: common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, s.20 offences wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm, s18 offences wounding and inflicting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Protection from Harassment Act 1997

    • Homicide Offences of murder and manslaughter together with analysis of potential reform

    • Theft, Fraud and Criminal Damage

Teaching and learning methods:

    • Weekly lectures

    • Weekly seminars based on a combination of small group discussions, set presentations, and collaborative reading of key texts.

Reading Strategy

Students will be encouraged to buy one core text; other essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs. Students will be encouraged to read widely using the library catalogue and internet resources as it is vital that they continue to develop the skills to research and critique the literature. There is a substantial amount of literature relating to this subject and it is important that students use that which is most appropriate and up to date. In order to assist the student with this a list of recommended texts and a guide to the most appropriate internet resources will be given in the module handbook.

Indicative Reading List:

Allen, M.J., and Cooper, S. (2006) (Eds). Elliot & Wood’s Cases and Materials on Criminal Law (9th). London. Sweet & Maxwell.

Criminal Law Forum.

Criminal Law Review.

Davies, M., Croall, H. & Tyrer, J. (3rd Ed. 2005) Criminal Justice: An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. London: Longman.

Duff, A. (2007). Answering for crime : responsibility and liability in the criminal law. Oxford. Hart.

Elliot, C., and Quinn, F. (2008). Criminal Law (7th edition). Harlow. Pearson Longman.

Jefferson, M. (2007). Criminal Law. Harlow. Longman.

King, M (1981) The Framework of Criminal Justice. London: Croom Helm.

McAlhone, C., and Huxley-Binns, R. (2007) Criminal Law – The fundamentals. London. Sweet & Maxwell

Packer, H. (1968) The Limits of the Criminal Sanction. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

Sanders, A. and Young, R. (2000) Criminal Justice. (2nd edn) London: Butterworths.

Simester, A.P. (2007). Criminal Law : theory and doctrine. (3rd Edition). Oxford. Hart.

Wilson, D. (2004) `The Politics and Processes of Criminal Justice` in Muncie, J. and Wilson, D (eds) Student Handbook of Criminal Justice and Criminology London: Cavendish Publishing.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3hour examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

2. Individual seminar presentation 25%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3 hour examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

2. 10 minute viva on essay 25%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.

Specification confirmed by …A.Chandler confirmed all SSH internal approval processes completed Date …25.06.08…………

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