Overview

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.

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

-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.

-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.

-excellent -A- to A* (70% +) An outstanding, possibly brilliant, 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.

-another level-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.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately explain how criminal liability is imposed for both acts and omissions, and demonstrate practical understanding of this through applying the knowledge to legal problems

• Critically analyse the general defences to criminal charges and their use in contemporary case law

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the functions of criminal law, giving examples of relevant offences, and to clarify the relationship between law and morality

• Develop and effectively communicate logical legal arguments on aspects of criminal law

• Distinguish between offences of basic and specific intent and correctly apply the distinction to a legal problem

• Explain and differentiate between the various culpable states of mind