Module Code - Title:
LA4211
-
CRIMINAL LAW 1
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To examine the general principles of criminal law through consideration of their ethical, social and legal dimensions.
Syllabus:
Historical and ethical consideration of criminal law, characteristics of a crime. Parties to a crime: principals and accessories, vicarious liability. The elements of a crime. Actus reus, conduct, omissions, status. Mens rea, intention, recklessness, criminal negligence. Mens rea in penal statutes. Offences of strict liability. General defences: insanity, infancy, automatism, intoxication, mistake, necessity, duress, self defence. Inchoate offences: attempt, incitement, conspiracy.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Describe the two main elements of a crime: actus reus and mens rea;
Discuss the principles of causation, voluntary act and coincidence of actus reus and mens rea;
Differentiate between objective and subjective tests in determining criminal liability;
Explain the criminal liability of participants to a crime;
Recognise inchoate offences and associated jurisprudence;
Apply the rules and principles to scenarios so as to demonstrate the criminal liability involved;
Analyse proposed reforms to above aspects of criminal law.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
n/a
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LAW AND ACCOUNTING
BACHELOR OF LAWS
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) IN COMMON AND CIVIL LAW
BACHELOR OF LAWS IN CIVIL AND COMMON LAW
BACHELOR OF LAWS IN LAW AND CYBER SECURITY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Paul.McCutcheon@ul.ie