LAW40820 Issues and Perspectives in Criminal Law

Academic Year 2018/2019

This module deals with the general principles of criminal liability. Topics covered include: the nature of crime and punishment; the origins of the criminal law; the elements of crime; forms of liability; and defences affecting the prosecution case.This module then deals with the criminal law defences which do not directly affect the prosecution case - especially those going to capacity and freedom of choice; and with the principal offences in the criminal calendar. Particular emphasis is placed on serious offences against the person and on property offences.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On conclusion of this module students will be able to:1. Describe the general principles of criminal liability;2. Locate the aforementioned principles in their historical context;3. Distinguish the inculpatory from the exculpatory aspects of liability;4. Distinguish between defences going directly to the elements of the prosecution case and those affecting other aspects of liability;5. Understand the law governing the main offences in the criminal calendar;6. Apply the principles of criminal liability to the catalogue of specific offences;7. Present and discuss legal issues before a group in a clear and concise manner;8. Identify and make effective use of the most important primary and secondary sources for research into issues of criminal law;9. Discuss legal issues and present the outcome of research in written form in a clear and persuasive manner.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

48

Seminar (or Webinar)

16

Autonomous Student Learning

191

Total

255

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Examination: End of semester 2 exam 2hrs

50

2 hour End of Trimester Exam
Assignment: 1,000 word essay, dues on 10 Jan 2019

25

Throughout the Trimester
Assignment: 1,000 word essay, due on 28 Mar 2019

25

Week 8

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

End of Semester Exam

Remediation

1. Students in the UCD Sutherland School of Law who fail a core module will have the opportunity to resit that module at the next available opportunity i.e. the next examination session.2. Students in the UCD Sutherland School of Law who fail an optional module may EITHER re-take the assessment in that module at the next available opportunity i.e. the next examination session OR may decide to substitute the failed module with another module at the same or higher level.3. Students must take responsibility for the following:· registering online to their choice of resitting or substituting a failed module through UCD’s SIS registration system, and,· ensuring that any substitute module is in compliance with the programme requirements of their degree.If a student is not sure about this, s/he should contact their Programme Manager in the Law Programme Office, Sutherland School of Law.