PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW

LAW5PCL

2019

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: Must be enrolled in LMJD.

Co-requisites: Legal Process and Methods (LAW5PMI)

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

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, 2019, 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 face-to-face.

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 face-to-face.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 4.0 hours unscheduled online class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment element	%	ILO*
Take Home Examination (1500 words)	25	01, 02
Examination (3000 words equivalent)	50	01, 02
Law Reform Submission (1500 words)	25	01, 03

City Campus, 2019, Semester 1, Blended