76037 Advanced Criminal Law

Description

This subject builds upon the core subject 70114 Criminal Law and Procedure and is directly relevant to students contemplating professional practice in criminal law. The subject examines the major forms of crime, which affect society today, including social responses that are global in nature, for example, terrorism and slavery. In addition, the subject considers recent and proposed amendments to a number of criminal defences. Students critically evaluate these crimes and criminal defences, society's response to them and governmental policy on which they are said to be based. To put this in context, the subject begins with an examination of the principles on which criminal laws are constructed and are said to operate. Particular emphasis is placed on current law and order politics and the effect this has had on criminal law reform.

The subject not only builds upon the syllabus in 70114 Criminal Law and Procedure, but also considers many of the laws and legal principles covered in greater depth and detail. While students were briefly introduced to criminal law theory in 70114, this subject not only considers such theory in detail but also positions it as the cornerstone of our criminal law and the context in which to critically understand the process of criminalisation.

Students build on their research and communication skills and their ability to critically analyse and evaluate the criminal law and legal system through engaging with subject materials, seminar discussions and assessment tasks, including a collaborative class presentation and research essay.