Overview

This module provides an opportunity for students to learn about criminal law in England and Wales. Criminal law is diverse and includes many different aspects, from murder and offences against the person, to theft and fraud offences.

During the course of this module, students will gain essential knowledge of the criminal law in England and Wales and learn to apply it to problematic contemporary situations. Students will also study defences and rules in relation to inchoate offences (attempts) and potential parties to a crime, and will analyse topical developments in the area of criminal law.

Criminal law is an interesting and challenging part of the law which requires thought, analysis and problem-solving skills. This module provides students with a chance to explore various parts of the law whilst also examining reforms and proposals for reform through critiquing the limitations of the current law.

The module content includes, but is not limited to:

Actus Reus and Mens Rea; Negligence and Strict Liability; General Defences; Parties to Crime; Inchoate Offences; Homicide; Non-fatal Offences against the Person; Offences under the Theft Acts 1968 and 1978: Theft and Related Offences; Offences involving Deception; Further Offences under the Theft Act; Criminal Damage; Sexual Offences.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent: A- to A* (70% +) An outstanding answer containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

Good: B- to B+ (60-69%) A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject.

Reasonable: C- to C+ (50-59% An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Threshold: D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the major legal principles in relation to criminal law in England & Wales.

• Appreciate the wider debate in respect of the place of criminal law in the social context, the definitions of harm and the boundaries of criminal law.

• Employ advanced legal skills to critically apply the law, assess criminal liability and draw reasoned conclusions to various hypothetical problem-based scenario questions.

• Interpret and employ relevant primary and secondary sources in relation to English and Welsh criminal law.