This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This course aims to introduce many of the core principles of criminal law and to aid students to think critically about the subject, contextualising it and recognising its place in, and impact on, society.
Students will already be familiar with the legal system within which the criminal law operates from their studies in Legal Process, and the sources of criminal law, including statutes and case law, from their studies in Reading Law. This module builds on this existing knowledge by focusing on the following substantive topics: homicide (murder and manslaughter), non-fatal offences (including various degrees of assault), sexual offences, public order offences, theft offences (including robbery, burglary and fraud), general defences (such as insanity, intoxication and self-defence) and inchoate offences (including attempts to commit offences and joint enterprise). This module will encourage students to engage in 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.
The module will introduce students to the application of law to case facts and the use of statute and case precedent to justify assessment of criminal liability. It aims to engage students in practical application of their knowledge, through consideration of criminal law problem questions, and encourage critical debate of the issues raised. Moreover, it aims to provide the opportunity to students to develop research and presentation skills through case notes and class presentations
Total contact hours: 60
Private study hours: 240
Total study hours: 300
BA Criminal Justice and Criminology
Main assessment methods
Essay (20%)
Examination (80%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Ashworth, A. (2018) Principles of Criminal Law (8th edition) Oxford: Oxford University Press
Ormerod, D, Smith, and Hogan (2015) Criminal Law (14th edition) Oxford University Press
Wilson, W. (2017) Criminal Law, Doctrine and Theory (6th edition) London: Pearson Education
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate a sound grounding in the concepts, principles and rules of criminal offences; in particular the law relating to
murder/manslaughter, non-fatal offences, defences, theft, fraud, sexual and inchoate offences.
8.2 Demonstrate a sound understanding of 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.
8.3 Demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical debates in the criminal law field.
8.4 Assess criminal liability in a given factual situation and identify any defences by applying relevant legal principles, case law and statute
law to the facts, and critically debate any issues raised.
8.5 Engage in a reasoned and informed discussion of the major areas of criminal law making appropriate reference to legal and academic
source authorities.
8.6 Evaluate the operation of the criminal law in the social context.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate their skills in summarising cases and developing argument.
9.2 Demonstrate research and presentation skills through class presentations and through assessment.
9.3 Undertake independent legal research and identify and retrieve up to date information, using a range of paper and electronic sources.
9.4 Present legal argument both in class and through assessment
9.5 Recognise potential alternative conclusions for particular situations, and provide supporting reasons for them.
9.6 Use relevant legal terminology with care and accuracy.
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