Course Title: Analyse and evaluate concepts and principles of criminal law

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: LAW5722

Course Title: Analyse and evaluate concepts and principles of criminal law

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6141 - Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice

Course Contact: Karen Ward

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1363

Course Contact Email: karen.ward@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Karen Ward 

Karen.ward@rmit.edu.au

Location: 80.05.018

Available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment

 

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to employ legal principles and aspects of criminal law, including criminal procedure, substantive aspects of criminal offences as defined in legislation and at common law, and, to evaluate the impact of law reform issues, in order to support the work of a legal office or associated context.

This unit supports the work of personnel engaged in the operation of a legal office, legal aid provider, government department or associated justice contexts within public and/or corporate sectors.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21641 Analyse and evaluate concepts and principles of criminal law

Element:

1.Analyse the concept of crime and assess the purposes of criminal law within society

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Research, discuss and define the concept of crime 1.2 Research, compare and contrast the sources of criminal law 1.3 Analyse the concepts of mens rea and actus reus 1.4 Identify and describe the particular purposes of criminal law, with reference to retribution, deterrence, reformation and rehabilitation, and certainty

Element:

2.Outline and apply the pre-trial and trial procedures in a criminal matter and discuss the possible penalties for a criminal offence

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and describe the preliminary and trial procedures in Victoria with particular reference to: • summary offences, indictable offences and indictable offences triable summarily • the Victorian court hierarchy in the criminal justice system • the mention system • the committal process • arraignment • the procedure in relation to a jury trial • the procedure in the Magistrates' Court following a not guilty plea 2.2 Define the concept of bail, the process of a bail application, and the conditions under which bail may be granted according to the Bail Act 1977 (Vic) and analyse for application 2.3 Identify and describe the sentencing procedures followed in the Victorian criminal justice system, with reference to: • the sentencing hearing • dismissals • discharges • adjournments • offenders with an intellectual disability • victim impact statements 2.4 Identify and discuss the various penalties available for particular criminal offences 2.5 Research and discuss the reforms to evidence and criminal procedure in Victoria, with reference to: • Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) • Evidence Act 2008 (Vic) 2.6 Analyse the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) with reference to criminal law issues

Element:

3.Analyse and apply the key elements of the criminal offences of murder and manslaughter, and assess the available defences to such prosecutions

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Define and analyse the concept of homicide and analyse for application, making reference to: • who may be the victim of homicide • infanticide • child destruction • murder, manslaughter and culpable driving • concealment of birth • the meaning of death 3.2 Distinguish homicides which are defined in legislation from those defined at common law 3.3 Analyse and define the specific elements of the criminal offence of murder, including when the offence of murder is substantiated, and analyse for application 3.4 Analyse and define the specific elements of the criminal offence of manslaughter, including when an offence of manslaughter is substantiated, and analyse for application 3.5 Research current issues regarding homicide, including the controversy in relation to euthanasia, and discuss their impact 3.6 Research changes to abortion laws in Victoria, with reference to Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 (Vic), and analyse for application

Element:

4.Determine and apply the elements of offences against the person other than homicide

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Demonstrate the key elements of criminal assault and other offences involving violence, including when an offence is substantiated, and analyse for application 4.2 Research and discuss current issues in offences against the person, including domestic violence and assistance for victims of crime and stalking 4.3 Determine the key elements that comprise sexual offences, including when an offence is substantiated, and analyse for application 4.4 Research current issues regarding sexual offences, including inter alia sentencing practice for rape offences, jury direction in rape cases and refer to the sexual history of the complainant, and analyse for practice

Element:

5.Evaluate and apply the available defences to particular offences

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Identify and describe the concept of defensive homicide on a charge of murder and determine the circumstances under which defensive homicide is available as a defence 5.2 Define the concept of self-defence and determine the circumstances under which self-defence may be applied 5.3 Assess the defences of duress, marital coercion, sudden or extraordinary emergency, superior orders and necessity, with reference to availability, elements, particular issues in relation to the offence of murder, precedent, and Crimes (Homicide) Act 2005 5.4 Identify and describe the circumstances in which impaired or altered mental states may negate criminal responsibility

Element:

6.Analyse and apply the law relating to the types of participation in crime and attempts

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Analyse the culpability of the participants in a given crime, using relevant culpability case examples. 6.2 Analyse and assess the concept of attempt in criminal law, with reference to actus reus, voluntary desistance, mens rea, legal and factual impossibility and the statutory provisions

Element:

7.Analyse and apply the various elements to the criminal offence of theft, and discuss the available statutory defences

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Research and discuss the historical background to the law of theft, including larceny at common law and the reasons behind the introduction of the theft provisions of the Crimes Act 7.2 Analyse and discuss the terms property, belonging to another, and appropriates as stipulated by the Crimes Act 7.3 Describe the concept of intention of permanently depriving, as defined by the Crimes Act, with reference to the presumption in relation to motor vehicles and aircraft, and analyse for application 7.4 Define the concept of appropriation of property dishonestly, as defined by the Crimes Act, with reference to claim of right, consent, unknown owner and willingness to pay, and analyse for application 7.5 Analyse the applications of theft provisions to case study materials

Element:

8.Determine and apply the elements of crimes of obtaining property as defined by the Crimes Act

Performance Criteria:

8.1 Outline the definitions of the criminal offences of obtaining property by deception and of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, as stipulated by S 81 and S 82 of the Crimes Act and apply to case study material 8.2 Analyse, for application, the criminal offences of robbery and armed robbery (S75 & S75A), burglary and aggravated burglary (S76 & S77) and blackmail (S87), as defined by the Crimes Act and apply to case study material

Element:

9.Analyse and apply the key elements required for strict and absolute liability offences

Performance Criteria:

9.1 Identify and explain the distinctions between mens rea offences, strict liability offences and offences of absolute liability and the criteria for making the distinctions 9.2 Research the rationale for offences of strict or absolute liability and relevant statutory provisions for creating them and analyse for application 9.3 Examine the operation of the defence of mistake in relation to strict liability offences, including the distinction between a mistake of fact and a mistake of law, and, the onus of proof in relation to mistake, and analyse for application 9.4 Analyse strict and absolute liability offences with reference to case study material


Learning Outcomes



 


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

 

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

 

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

 

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.

 

 


Teaching Schedule

Induction Session

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:

  • Program overview and requirements
  • MyRMIT/Canvas
  • Overview of assessment requirements
  • Pre-Training Review including:
    • Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
    • Assessment of current skills and knowledge
  • Competency/Grading Criteria
  • Plagiarism
  • Appeals
  • Extensions
  • Feedback
  • Privacy
  • Submission requirements
  • Resubmission policy
  • Where to get support
  • Student responsibilities 

 The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows. (Please note that this schedule is subject to change)

Week Beginning

 Topic

 Assessment

Week 1 – 2 July

The concept of crime and purposes of criminal law (Element 1)

 

Week 2 – 9 July

Criminal pre-trial and trial procedure and penalties (Element 2)

 

Week 3 – 16 July

The elements of murder (Element 3)

 

Week 4 – 23 July

Defences to murder - Self Defence  (Element 5)

 

Week 5 – 30 July

Manslaughter and other unlawful killings (Element 3)

 

Week 6 –  6 Aug

Other offences against the person - Assault and related offences (Element 4)

Assessment Task 1 Due

Court Instructor assignment – Criminal Procedure, Penalties & Purpose

(Elements 1 & 2)

Week 7 – 13 Aug

Other offences against the person - Sexual offences (Element 4)

 

Week 8 – 20 Aug

Revision (Elements 3, 4 & 5)

 

 

Mid-semester break – 27 Aug – 31 Aug (inclusive)

 

Week 9 – 3 Sept

 

Assessment Task 2

Case Studies under open book test conditions (Elements 3, 4 & 5)

Week 10 – 10 Sept

Theft and other property offences

(Element 7 & 8)

 

Week 11 – 17 Sept

Participation in crime and attempts

(Element 6)

 

Week 12 – 24 Sept

General defences

Mental impairment and related mental states

(Element 5)

 

Week 13 – 1 Oct

Offences of strict & absolute liability and mistake

(Element 9)

 

Week 14 – 8 Oct

Revision

(Elements 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

 

Week 15 – 15 Oct

 

 Assessment Task 3

Case studies under open book test conditions

(Elements 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Week 16 – 22 Oct

Re-submission Assessment Task 3

 

 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Recommended texts:-

  • Penny Crofts Criminal Law (Lexus Nexis Butterworths 5 ed. 2014)

 

 


Overview of Assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In order to demonstrate competency in this unit, you must provide evidence of:

• the ability to explain the concept of crime and criminal law in society
• knowledge of Criminal Law relating to criminal procedures, substantive aspects of criminal offences as defined in legislation, and law reforms
• investigating criminal procedures and the possible penalties for a criminal offence
• analysing elements of criminal offences of manslaughter and murder
• assessing the available defences to particular offences
• analysing the key elements required for strict and absolute liability offences
• knowledge of applications of relevant sections of the Crimes Act in a range of case study materials

Context for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

• activities are related to a legal practice context
• activities are related to laws, regulations and procedures currently operating across the jurisdictions relevant to this qualification

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
 

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning effectiveness and final performance in the course.

Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
 


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete 3 tasks.  You must successfully complete all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this course.

Assessment Task 1:- Court Instructor Assignment:-

In this task you will observe part of a criminal trial/plea in the County Court and you will apply your knowledge of criminal procedure, penalties and purpose in a practical way to the case observed.

Assessment Task 2:-Case studies under test conditions:-

You will undertake case studies under open book supervised test conditions

Assessment Task 3:-Case studies under test conditions:-

You will undertake case studies under open book supervised test conditions


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS 

Other Information

Submission Requirements

You should: 

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. 
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

 

More Informationhttps://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More Information:https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

Resubmissions (VE Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. 

 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

 

Grading & re-submissions

 

Successful re-submissions will contribute a CAG only (Competency Achieved Grading) result to your overall grade for the course.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Marking Guide (Competency)

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

 

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

 

Final Grades table:

 CHD

 Competent with High Distinction

 CDI

 Competent with Distinction

 CC

 Competent with Credit

 CAG

 Competency Achieved – Graded

 NYC

 Not Yet Competent (all assessment tasks submitted)

 DNS

 Did Not Submit (one or more assessment tasks not submitted)

Further details regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview