Course Title: Criminal Law Investigation and Procedure

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Criminal Law Investigation and Procedure

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
HWSS2119	City Campus	Postgraduate	365H Global, Urban & Social Studies	Internet	Summer2015
HWSS2120	City Campus	Undergraduate	365H Global, Urban & Social Studies	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2011
HWSS2120	City Campus	Undergraduate	365H Global, Urban & Social Studies	Face-to-Face or Internet	Summer2015
HWSS2119	City Campus	Postgraduate	365H Global, Urban & Social Studies	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2011

Course Coordinator: Dr Michele Ruyters

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 399252537

Course Coordinator Email:Michele.Ruyters@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.

Course Description

In this course, you will learn and apply the principles and elements of state and federal laws relating to criminal investigation and procedure. In particular, you will consider the powers of investigators and statutory investigative regimes, discretion to initiate prosecution, the discretion to initiate prosecution, how criminal proceedings are commenced, the nature of bail, the process of hearings including appeals. You will consider the application of these principles in the context of the substantive criminal law.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Recognise some of the important processes of the criminal law with focus on the balance between the rights of the individual and the state
• Critically assess laws relating to investigation and procedure 
• Demonstrate your problem solving skills by applying laws relating to investigation and procedure to hypothetical fact situations
• Critique recent reforms and the context of reform in the area of criminal procedure
• Demonstrate legal research techniques.
   

In this course, you will develop the following graduate capabilities:

• Critical analysis and problem solving
• Communication
• Effective management and use of information

Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered in a face-to-face mode with a blend of learning activities, which include lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, problem solving exercises, videos, and student lead discussions. Learning activities will include undertaking reading prior to lectures and tutorials, which will be explored further through class discussion.

Overview of Learning Resources

A textbook or case book may be prescribed for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the learning outcomes of this course and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment may include problem solving, presentations, assignments, tests, quizzes, mock court activities, court visits, examinations and essays. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.