This module will build on and provide students with a detailed, contextualised understanding of the fundamental legal principles in criminal litigation. The module will critically apply and examine the rules of criminal procedure and practice, by offering an in-depth exploration of the evidential merits of a criminal prosecution and advising or advocating on behalf of a client.
Upon completion of the module, students will have covered all aspects of the 'Criminal Law and Practice' section of the specification for Part 1 of the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE) and will be able to apply their knowledge to the assessments set as part of the SQE. On successful completion of the module, students will also be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the wider context, including the impact of technology on criminal litigation, the ways in which professionalism, ethics, justice, democracy and citizenship interrelate in the criminal justice system, the role of the individual lawyer in the facilitation of that system, and will be able to demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on emerging issues in the practice of criminal litigation
Private Study: 125
Contact Hours: 25 (lectures 5 hours, workshops 20 hours)
Total hours: 150
Available as a compulsory module for the following courses:-
MLaw Advanced Legal Practice (Integrated)
MLaw Advanced Legal Practice with a Minor Subject (Integrated)
Main assessment methods
Coursework - Assessment 1: 2 x Applications to Court. (1,500 words plus oral component) - 30%
Coursework - Assessment 2: Problem Question and Essay (3,500 words) - 70%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
The intended subject specific learning outcomes are as below. On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate and apply a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of core principles of criminal law and evidence law.
2. Demonstrate and apply a systematic knowledge and understanding of rules and procedures that govern a criminal case.
3. Demonstrate and apply a systematic knowledge and understanding of a lawyer's ethical, legal, professional and regulatory duties in the context of criminal litigation.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between criminal litigation and broader contemporary contexts such as technology; professionalism, identity and ethics; mistakes, disputes and procedural contingency; justice, democracy and citizenship; capitalism and finance.
The intended generic learning outcomes are as below. On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Conduct advanced research, making proper use of appropriate resources, demonstrating the ability to retrieve up-to-date information.
2. Identify and evaluate complex discrete legal problems and evidence their ability to appreciate problems in their wider contexts.
3. Develop, and test in practice, hypotheses and strategies appropriate to complex scenarios.
4. Suggest alternative strategies and solutions to problems raised and assess possible outcomes.
5. Produce creative, sophisticated and persuasive arguments drawing on independent research.
6. Set out critical analysis in a clear and accessible way, demonstrating careful and accurate use of the English language.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.