LAW1114: Criminal Law

- 30%. This will be the first Case Note for most law students, and therefore, many students find it difficult. The assignment has two parts, and all students complete the Case Note on the same case. For part one, you analyse the material facts of the case and the reasons for the decisions of the judge(s). For part two (which is worth more marks), you write an essay (of sorts) evaluating the decisions of the judges in light of a number of factors. It's very important (if not essential) to make use of the resources on the Library webpage; and specifically, the information on how to write a case note on the 'Research and Learning Online' page. It might also be worth going to the Law Library and seeking assistance if required.

I thoroughly enjoyed this subject. I liked the fact that the assessments were spread out across a number of different tasks, and I found the subject content really interesting. From what I've heard, all of the lecturers were really good and knowledgeable. Some students might feel thrown into the deep end with the Case Note, however, that's simply what uni is like, and it's a really good learning experience. Perhaps the only downside of this unit is that lectures aren't recorded and accessible for all students.

- 50%. The exam is open book and students are given 2 hours writing time and 30 minutes reading/noting time. The exam is divided into three main topics/types of offences - offences against the person, sexual offences and homicide. Therefore, only topics 5-8 are directly examined (although the other topics, except for sentencing, are assumed knowledge).

My lecturer was Heli Askola, the chief examiner. I can't say much about the other lecturers, however I can say that Heli is absolutely fantastic. So far, she is easily my favourite lecturer. She is extremely knowledgeable and is simply fucking hilarious. I genuinely enjoyed her lectures and found them very engaging.

- 10%. Students receive a mock case in their workshops and are allocated into groups of 2 or 3. One student will be the prosecutor for the case, and the other(s) will be counsel for the defendant(s). Within your group, you partake in sentence/plea negotiations (outside of class). You then individually conduct a plea presentation to the 'Magistrate/Judge' in one of your workshops, arguing why the court should give your client a certain sentence (based on sentencing principles). Your presentation should not go over 5 minutes.

Yes. There are a couple available, and you go through one in your week 12 lectures. Additionally, your workshop booklet contains a number of practice problems which are similar to those in the exam.

4.5 out of 5

Yes and No. Lectures are recorded (with screen capture, I believe),

I purchased the prescribed textbook. If you're really strapped for cash, you can probably get by without it - however, it is definitely helpful and your weekly readings are drawn from it.

Weeks 4-12: 2x 2 hour lectures each week.
Weeks 8-12: 1x 1 hour tutorial/workshop each week (not compulsory, but you need to go (at least to some), as this is where you get assigned and complete your oral presentation).
NOTE: The unit does not begin until week 4, because students need the prerequisite knowledge from the first 4 weeks of Foundations of Law.

- 10%. This is basically a reflective report on your plea negotiation and what you learned from the exercise.

2017, Semester 1.

30% Case Note (1500 words), 5 minute sentencing plea oral presentation (completed in workshop) and accompanying 500 word report worth 10% each, 50% exam (open book).

First taste of a real law subject. We start by going through philosophy in criminal law, sentencing and then move onto the different crimes. We learn about the elements for each crime as well as the accompanying legislation, and any cases that are used as precedents. Whilst the content is interesting, it can be hard sitting for two hours and reading rule after rule. There's also a lot of reading to do outside of class, particularly reading over the different cases - I recommend teaming up with a few people and dividing the reading and giving a summary of each section.

The class started four weeks into the semester which was nice, but we got our assignment on the first day - writing a case note. What made me lower my overall rating of the unit was how the case note was dealt with. Most of us hadn't ever written a case note, and as it was our first lesson, we didn't even know any criminal law knowledge. It felt as if they just said 'here, go do it'. Library sessions helped but I personally felt a little lost.

Tutorials started in week 7 and involved listening to pairs do their plea presentations, discussing what each person proposed for sentencing in a particular scenario, and then afterwards going over the elements of a crime each week, followed by applying it to scenarios. It was good to connect the legislation and cases that we covered in lectures to the 'real' scenarios.

Also recommend signing up for the PASS sessions, or going to the LSS sessions. I did PASS and found it really helpful!
Exam is two hours with thirty minutes reading and involves reading a problem scenario and, with a few questions guiding you, identifying crimes and discussing the elements. You're pressed for time but overall okay.

Jonathan Clough. Walks around a lot but I found that to make him more engaging. Really passionate about criminal law and wants us to speak up more in class.

Last year's full exam (which we go through in class) and a collection of practice problems from previous exams. Three HD samples of writing from last year's exam were also shared.

3.5 out of 5

No. Slides available on moodle.

Waller and Williams Criminal Law textbook is a must. You can get the Crimes Act 1958 in hard copy and bring it into the exam but not needed, as the necessary crimes and legislation are on the slides and you can just copy and paste them into your notes.

starting from week 4, 2x2 hour lectures. From week 7, 1x2 hour tutorial/workshop.

semester 1 2016.

unknown