Course overview
Criminal Law introduces the Australian criminal justice system, principles of criminal responsibility, and the classification of criminal offences according to seriousness (summary, minor indictable and major indictable) and liability (full fault, strict liability and absolute liability). The bulk of the semester is dedicated to examining and, applying to practical situations, (i) the elements of the substantive offences of dishonesty, unlawful killing, sexual offences, indecent filming and assault and cause harm offences;(ii) the defences of self-defence and mental impairment; and (iii) extended liability through the law of attempt. The course uses a 'case file approach' to seminars and assessment to provide students with practical skills to assist them to transition into legal practice.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse the principles of criminal responsibility, undertake self-directed legal research using primary and secondary materials, and analyse and evaluate legal information relating to criminal law and legal theory
- Apply principles of criminal law to complex legal problems, and critique the operation of criminal law from both a policy and theoretical/principled perspective
- Prepare persuasive written and oral arguments for a legal and lay audience on issues relating to the drafting of new criminal laws and the application of existing criminal laws to common scenarios that arise in criminal practice
- Demonstrate awareness of principles of ethical professional judgement in the management and conduct of a criminal law matter, relevant to both prosecution and defence
- Analyse the impact of criminal law from a policy perspective, with a focus on the impact of the law on those people who are vulnerable or outside mainstream culture
- Reflect on individual capacity to complete self-directed tasks and to work effectively in teams
- Extend their skills by utilising feedback and reflection to drive personal improvement
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