Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200010

Coordinator Meda Couzens Opens in new window

Description This subject introduces students to the basic principles of criminal law and criminal responsibility and the criminal justice process as located in its broader social and political context, including the impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous Australians. Students will engage in collaborative class learning with a particular focus on legal problem solving and participate in a mock bail application.

School Law

Discipline Criminal Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Co-requisite(s) LAWS 1006 OR
LAWS 1003

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Explain legislation, legal principles and policy relevant to Australian criminal law;
2. Analyse criminal law problems through application of statutory interpretation methods and relevant case law;
3. Develop clear, logical and persuasive legal arguments, orally and in writing;
4. Examine the impact of the criminal justice system on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Subject Content

1. Introduction to criminal justice
2. Principles of criminal responsibility ? capacity, actus reus and mens rea, temporal coincidence, burdens and standards of proof
3. Summary offences ? i.e. offensive language and conduct/anti-social behaviour
4. Murder/Manslaughter
5. Defences ? necessity, duress, self-defence, mental state of person
6. Assault
7. Property offences
8. Drug offences
9. Domestic Violence
10. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the criminal justice system