Unit rationale, description and aim
Criminal Law and Procedure deals with the nature, purpose and justification of the criminal law and the various forms of conduct that are made crimes in in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Commonwealth. It also examines the procedures used to detain, prosecute and try persons charged with criminal offences.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Accurately identify, locate, and interpret relevan...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply the Criminal Law to factual situations and t...
Learning Outcome 02
Identify, describe and critically evaluate the off...
Learning Outcome 03
Prepare and write an opinion on criminal liability...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Definitions 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
- Arrest, Search, Seizure, Forensic Procedure and Police Questioning
- Bail
- Trial
- Sentencing
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy is designed to assess knowledge, skills and understanding in a specialist area of law required for accreditation.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each of the learning outcomes listed.
All assessment items must be attempted and submitted to be eligible for a passing grade.
Overview of assessments
Assignment 1: Hypothetical Problem
Assignment 1: Hypothetical Problem
15%
Assignment 2: Written opinion on criminal liabili...
Assignment 2: Written opinion on criminal liability
35%
Exam: A series of hypothetical questions designed...
Exam: A series of hypothetical questions designed to test students’ knowledge of and abilty to apply criminal law theory to practical examples. Exam will be completed online via the learning management system.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode: Lectures, tutorials, electronic consultation, library tasks and presentations or Online lectures and activities or ACU Online 10 week asynchronous delivery mode.
Duration: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks or equivalent. Students are expected to spend 150 hours in total for this unit.
This level one compulsory Law unit allows students to demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding in a specialist area of law to meet the requirements of accreditation.
Our strategy is to encourage students to creatively engage with unit content and to apply fundamental legal knowledge, skills and understandings to address legal problems.
The unit is designed to be delivered in intensive, weekly or online mode. We have taken a multimodal learning approach to provide accessibility and flexibility to our students and a student-focused approach that increases depth of learning and engagement through actively utilising LMS.
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.