FP071-15 Introduction to Criminal Law
Introductory description
This module will offer foundation students an introduction to the study of Criminal Law, with a focus on legal terminology such as actus reus, causation, mens rea and strict liability. Students will then focus their studies on the non-fatal offences and general defences.
Module aims
This module will offer foundation students an introduction to the study of Criminal Law. Students will learn to apply criminal terminology to case studies involving non-fatal offences and general defences. This will allow students to develop the skills necessary to interpret and argue complex criminal scenarios, and understand real-life decisions for charging and sentencing offenders. In addition, students will develop evaluative skills through an insight into the flaws found in current legal definitions, particularly the non-fatal offences.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
In Introduction to Criminal Law, students will be introduced to the requirements for criminal liability, demonstrated through an in-depth study of a range of non-fatal offences and general defences. The module also offers students the opportunity to critically evaluate the law in this area.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Explain the fundamental aspects of criminal liability, including actus reus, causation and mens rea.
- Explain a range of common law and statutory non-fatal offences, and general defences.
- Construct and present arguments through appropriate and effective legal reasoning.
- Evaluate the law and recognise the role of the Law Commission in proposing changes to criminal law.
- Demonstrate a range of key competences including critical analysis, communication and presentation skills, and research skills (including information retrieval, interpretation of laws and citation).
Indicative reading list
Criminal Law by Michael Allen;
Offences Against the Person: Into the 21st Century by Michael Jefferson (article);
Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person: Complexities, Difficulties and Reform null by Charles Anderson McCombe (article)
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Research element
For Summative 1, students will research and discuss some of the Law Commission proposals for reform of the non-fatal offences.
International
For Summative 1, students are given the opportunity to explore how the non-fatal offences are defined and applied in other jurisdictions, to allow for critical analysis of the current approach taken in England and Wales.
Subject specific skills
Develop detailed understanding of criminal liability for non-fatal offences. Identify relevant issues in criminal situations, from which to formulate questions and conduct investigatory research. Appreciate differences between establishing liability in different areas of the law. Apply Criminal Law concepts competently to analyse specific questions or issues. Articulate reasoned arguments in a clearly-structured format in response to Criminal Law issues that arise in a scenario. Evaluate the law and recognise the role of the Law Commission in proposing changes to the Criminal Law. Draw upon appropriate sources of law to support reasoning. Employ tools of legal analysis to construct persuasive arguments and justified conclusions. Develop skills in OSCOLA referencing.
Transferable skills
Analytical skills; Communication skills; Confidence; Creative problem solving; Critical thinking; Ethical awareness; Flexibility; Independent working; Initiative; Planning and organisation; Professionalism; Research skills; Self awareness; Team working; Time management; Use / Application of knowledge.
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
Seminars | 36 sessions of 1 hour (24%) |
Private study | 72 hours (48%) |
Assessment | 30 hours (20%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Private study includes preparation for seminars, independent reading and research, completion of tasks set in class or for extension study (via Moodle) and preparation for formative and summative assessments.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
Weighting | Study time | |
---|---|---|
Evaluation of the Law on Non-Fatal Offences | 30% | 15 hours |
An evaluation of current law relating to non-fatal offences in England and Wales, including suggestions for reform. |
||
Criminal Law: Case Study | 70% | 15 hours |
Application of the law on non-fatal offences and general defences to a given case study. |
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback will be provided via Tabula and at a minimum will address: Comprehension of task, Essay structure, Spelling and grammar, Choice of vocabulary, Clarity of reasoning, Use of supporting evidence, Presentation of information, Referencing skills.
Verbal feedback will also be given during consultation hours.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme