Module Code - Title:
LA4211
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CRIMINAL LAW 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
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:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Margaret.Fitzgerald-OReilly@ul.ie