LAW2221: CRIMINAL LAW

• Introduction to English Law and Legal Method (LAW 1121) and UK Constitutional Law (LAW 1091) and Individual and the State (LAW 1081).

• None.

• None.

• To provide a general understanding of the nature and functions of the criminal law (to include both an understanding of the general principles of criminal law and the principles governing selected crimes).

• Introduction to the criminal justice system; the general elements of criminal liability; modes of participation; inchoate offences; defences; and the elements of selected offences.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students should be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the criminal justice system; the general elements of criminal liability; modes of participation; inchoate offences; defences; and the elements of selected offences in English and Welsh criminal law.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students should be able to demonstrate a capacity to apply the subject knowledge to factual situations raising issues of law which may be uncertain and complex, and to evaluate critically the doctrinal coherence and consistency of English and Welsh criminal law.
• The ability to communicate legal arguments, findings, and solutions, both orally and in writing, appropriately to the needs of a variety of audiences.
• The ability to use the English language and legal terminology with care and accuracy.

Key Skills:

• Students will be able to identify relevant principles of law, apply those principles to problem questions, analyse relevant case law and identify legal and policy issues and arguments concering various areas of criminal law.
• Students will be able to demonstrate sound analytical and writing skills as well as the ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge to complex situations, to recognise potential alternative conclusions for particular situations, and to provide supporting reasons for them.

• Lectures are used primarily to impart knowledge and also to suggest approaches to evaluation and critical analysis;
• Seminars will be used to develop and enhance students' capacity for legal-problem solving in a particular factual situation, evaluative critical analysis and their appreciation of laws' linkage with broader fields of enquiry;
• There will be a formative assignment. This will take the form of either an essay or problem question; both modes of assessment are used in the exam, with a working bibliography. The formative assignment will allow students to develop knowledge and skills required for the exam, and to receive feedback ensuring that they understand what is expected.
• The exam will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a number of core areas in English and Welsh criminal law. The exam will consist of a number of questions from which students will have a choice to answer.

A short essay or problem question in the style of those used in the exam, of no more than 1,500 words plus a working bibliography.

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