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School of Law, Politics and Sociology

Criminal Law (M3068)

Criminal Law

Module M3068

Module details for 2024/25.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

This module introduces students to the structure and core elements of criminal liability, and looks in detail at substantive criminal offences, and defences via close analysis of relevant statute and case law. It focuses on understanding how the substantive legal rules are applied and considers the extent to which the offences and defences are clearly defined, paying attention to elements of each offence which are open to competing interpretations. It also invites students to think critically about the types of conduct that should be criminalised and the circumstances in which individuals should be held criminally responsible for their actions.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of criminal liability, and the offences and defences listed in the syllabus.

Systematically apply relevant legal sources and principles to factual situations and demonstrate problem-solving skills.

Engage in structured legal analysis and effectively communicate legal arguments in writing, using appropriate legal terminology.

Select and apply concepts studied on the module to critically evaluate arguments about the criminal law and how it does and should assign criminal responsibility.

TypeTimingWeighting
Multiple Choice questionsAutumn Semester Week 11 10.00%
Essay (3000 words)Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:0090.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111011111
Spring SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterSeminar1 hour10101001010
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour10101010100
Autumn SemesterSeminar1 hour01010010101
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour01010101010

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Matthew Garrod

Convenor
/profiles/206769

Dr Tanya Palmer

Convenor
/profiles/278428

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.