Description
The course is well suited for:
- Students who would like to or have an interest in studying law
- Students who are studying legal studies, criminology, policing, or other related programmes.
- Individuals preparing for FE1’s or the bar exam.
- Individuals working in an environment where knowledge of criminal law would be beneficial
- Anyone with an interest in the Irish criminal justice system and criminal law.
No previous knowledge of the law is needed in order to apply for this course.
Course overview
This 12-week course provides students with a structured introduction to the fundamental The criminal law course is a 12 week course that helps students understand the fundamental principles of Irish criminal law. Topics such as homicide, offences against the person, sexual offences, property offences, criminal damage, and public-order offences, will be studied by the students. The course is made to combine legal knowledge with practical ways to apply that knowledge, giving students the ability to not only memorise the law but be able to use their skills to analyse legislation, understand case law and form legal arguments.
Course Modules
- Introduction to Criminal Law
- Elements of a Crime
- Strict Liability
- Murder and Homicide
- Offences Against the Person
- Further Offences Against the Person
- Offences Against Property
- Criminal Damage
- Sexual Offences
- Criminal Defences
- Public Order Offences
- Revision and Examination
Course Duration
12 weeks, with 10 weeks of teaching and 2 weeks of revision and examination
Accreditations / Awards
Upon completion the student will receive CPD level 3 diploma in family law (Continuing professional development)
Learning Aims & Objectives / Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of Irish criminal law.
- Define the elements required to establish criminal liability.
- Distinguish between actus reus and mens rea.
- Explain intention, recklessness, negligence and causation.
- Identify and analyse the principal criminal offences covered by the course.
- Distinguish offences against the person from offences against property and public-order offences.
- Explain the principal criminal law defences.
- Identify and interpret relevant legislation.
- Research and analyse relevant case law.
- Prepare structured case notes.
- Apply legal principles to factual scenarios.
- Construct reasoned legal arguments.
- Critically evaluate areas of criminal law and the policy considerations behind them.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Irish criminal justice system.
- Develop the skills required to answer criminal law problems and essay questions.
Course Delivery
The course will be delivered through a combination of:
- Teaching
- Lectures and presentations
- Discussion and class participation
- Case law analysis
- Reviewing of legislation
- Practicing legal scenario questions
- Question-and-answer sessions
- Examination preparation and revision
Delivery format
The course can be delivered either online/ in person once a week.
Schedule
Duration: 12 weeks
Classes: once per week
Class time: 2 Hours
Day: Thursdays 3.30pm (provisional day)
Entry requirements
- Leaving certificate
- Sufficient English-language proficiency
- No previous legal knowledge required.
