Course Title: Criminal Law

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Criminal Law

Credit Points: 12.00

Course Coordinator: Dr Brianna Chesser

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9238

Course Coordinator Email: brianna.chesser@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.04

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course examines some of the principles and elements of criminal law.  You will be introduced to the different sources of criminal law, the elements of criminal offences and you will explore the substantive topics of homicide, including the categories of manslaughter, defences to homicide such as self- defence, sex offences,  and non- fatal offences against the person  through the discussion of relevant case law and legislation. 
 
You will spend time in analysis and problem solving in these areas of criminal law to further your appreciation of the substantive criminal law and to develop your ability to apply research and analytical skills to other areas of study. 

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

This course contributes to the following BP023P26 Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice program learning outcomes: 

PLO1: Effectively apply relevant theoretical, practical and professional knowledges in criminology, justice and socio legal fields and beyond   

PLO3: Demonstrate ethical and reflective practices that connect personal, social, cultural, and environmental awareness with justice outcomes.   

If you are taking this course as an option course or as part of a minor, this course will complement the learning outcomes you are developing in your program. 

Course Learning Outcomes   

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

CLO1: Analyse the constituent elements of a range of substantive criminal offences 

CLO2: Explain some of the theoretical criticisms of the way the criminal law is structured and administered 

CLO3: Critically analyse recent reforms in the area of criminal law 

CLO4: Demonstrate legal research techniques. 

Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered through a blend of learning activities, which include interactive workshop activities, role plays, problem solving, guest speakers, presentations, videos, online media and activities and student lead discussions.

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.   

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.   

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.  

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.  

Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Tutorial activities 

Weighting: 20%  

Assessing CLOs: 1, 2, 3 

Assessment Task 2: Brief of Evidence 

Weighting: 40% 

Assessing CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 

Assessment Task 3: Problem based task review Weighting: 40% 

Assessing CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4 

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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.