Criminal Law and Process
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
2023 teaching periods
Swinburne Online Teaching Period 1 |
Swinburne Online Teaching Period 3 | |
---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Prerequisites
Equivalent One Way Only
Please Note: Students who completed LAW10015 - Criminal Law & Procedure will receive credit for LAW10024 - Criminal Law and Process but not vice versa
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to enable students, through the study of cases, statutes and other material, to acquire an understanding of, and competence in, Victorian criminal law and procedure. The unit introduces students to the key principles of criminal law, including the content of criminal offences and defences to these offences. The unit explores the procedure relating to the criminal justice system including commencement of criminal proceedings, search, seizure, forensic procedures, police questioning, bail and the machinery of the prosecution, trial and sentencing.
Unit Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Identify the elements of a crime and any applicable defences
2. Locate, interpret, evaluate and apply Victorian legislation relevant to criminal law and procedure
3. Apply common law and statutory provisions to factual situations to effectively advise clients of their criminal liability
4. Conduct research relating to criminal law and procedure and use the results of that research
5. Work efficiently and effectively with other people to develop coherent solutions to problems
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Face to Face Contact Class | 2 | 12 | 24 |
Online Contact Online learning activities and discussion boards | 1 | 12 | 12 |
Unspecified Learning Activities Independent Learning | 8.5 | 12 | 102 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
Assignment 1 (Individual) 50-60%
Assignment 2 (Group) 40-50%
Content
• Definition of crime and the aims of the criminal law
• Elements of crime
• Sources of criminal liability
• Homicide and defences
• Non-fatal offences against the person
• Property offences
• Inchoate offences
• Participatory liability
• Defences
• Commencement of criminal proceedings
• Search, seizure, forensic procedures, police questioning
• Bail
• The machinery of prosecution
• Trial
• Sentencing
• Elements of crime
• Sources of criminal liability
• Homicide and defences
• Non-fatal offences against the person
• Property offences
• Inchoate offences
• Participatory liability
• Defences
• Commencement of criminal proceedings
• Search, seizure, forensic procedures, police questioning
• Bail
• The machinery of prosecution
• Trial
• Sentencing
Study resources
- Recommended reading.
Recommended reading
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.