PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW
LAW5PCL
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Principles of Criminal Law introduces students to a range of criminal offences and the legal principles and policies that underlie them. The subject begins with an examination of the aims and sources of criminal law and the nature and elements of criminal offences. Students then examine particular offences under Victorian law, such as murder, assault and related offences, sexual offences, property offences, and strict liability. There will also be selective comparative examination of federal criminal laws. Students will develop skills in writing legal advices (involving applying the law to new factual scenarios), analysing current issues in criminal law, and arguing for policy recommendations for law reform.
School: La Trobe Law School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Steven Tudor
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: LAW5PMI
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: LAW1CRL, LAW3CRM, LAW2CRM
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Must be admitted to Juris Doctor degree or have permission from Law Director of Programs.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Victorian Criminal Charge Book | Prescribed | Judicial College of Victoria | JCV |
| Readings | Various cases and statutes | Prescribed | various | various |
| Readings | Various academic journal articles | Prescribed | various | various |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and analytical skills regarding the conceptual framework and doctrinal principles of criminal law operating in Victoria.
- Activities:
- Examinations and law reform submission; presentations during workshops
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Demonstrate cognitive and creative skills in effectively researching, analysing and applying case law and legislation to factual scenarios in order to advise a client as to their legal liabilities.
- Activities:
- Examinations; presentations during workshops
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Formulate and articulate innovative arguments regarding policy and law reform issues in the criminal law.
- Activities:
- Law reform submission; presentations during workshops
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
City Campus, 2017, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Steven Tudor
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays at night from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
Two 4.0 hours workshop per study period on weekends during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 4.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays at night from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 word take-home examination (client advice) - mid-semester | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| 3 hour examination (client advice and legal analysis) - end of semester | 50 | 01, 02 | |
| 2000 word assignment (law reform submission) - end of semester | Topics will be subject of practical exercises | 30 | 01, 03 |