LAWS C1406 - Criminal Law 1

Module Title:Criminal Law 1
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures - communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the student. Problem Solving Exercises - student will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various legal scenarios. Class Discussion/Debate - Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills. E-Learning - the module will be supported with on-line learning materials. Self-Direct Independent Learning - the emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practices.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of criminal liability in Ireland.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identify the purpose of the criminal law and explain how and why criminal wrongs can be distinguished from non-criminal wrongs.
LO2 Describe the difference between the actus reus and mens rea of a crime and discuss the various constituent elements of both.
LO3 Demonstrate understanding of the various degrees of criminal liability.
LO4 Demonstrate understanding of the different categories of homicide and assault related offences and specific defences that may be available to same.
LO5 Analyse the law and employ knowledge and understanding in solving relevant problems.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Criminal Law (10%)
• Origins and Purpose of Criminal Law • Distinction between Criminal and Civil matters • Classification of Crime
The Elements of Crime (40%)
• Actus Reus (including Causation) • Categories of Mens Rea • Crimes of Strict Liability • Liability of Participants
Fatal Offences Against the Person (30%)
• Murder • Manslaughter Defences specific to murder - Provocation, Diminished Responsibility, Mistaken excessive use of fatal force
Assault and related offences (20%)
Assault, Assault Causing Harm, Causing Serious Harm - Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 - Relevance of victim consent
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination80.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other In-Class Assessment This assessment will objectively assess each student’s knowledge of the fundamental elements of a crime and of criminal liability. 1,2,3 20.00 Week 7
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam End-of-Semester Final Examination 1,2,3,4,5 80.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Estimated Learner Hours 15 Weeks per Stage 14.27
Total Hours 250.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 1.50
Total Hours 1.50
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_BBLEG_C_1 Higher Certificate in Arts in Legal Studies 3 Mandatory
CW_HHLAW_B OLD Honours Bachelor of Laws Degree - LLB 1 Mandatory