LAW-20064 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

LAW-10039 (Legal Essentials)

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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 analysis of a key area of law.

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 skills in reviewing theoretical issues surrounding the criminal law

Intended Learning Outcomes

access, review and critically appraise basic concepts in criminal law through the use of cases, statutes and theoretical sources: 1
critically evaluate criminal law problem questions by appropriate use of relevant legal sources: 1
demonstrate a critical appreciation of criminal law doctrinal issues in their theoretical, social and political context: 1

Study hours

Lectures - 24 hours
Tutorials - 8 hours (8 x 1)
Preparation for lectures and seminars - 50 hours
Further reading and assessment preparation - 68 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment