production
Skip to Content

LS551S: CRIMINAL LAW (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04


Course Overview

The course examines current debates in criminal law from theoretical and comparative perspectives – drawing on insights from different jurisdictions. Topics include: principles of criminalisation (i.e. discussion of what types of conduct should be criminalised, the moral justification for creating criminal laws and what limits should be set on the state’s power to enact criminal laws); mental capacity, age and criminal responsibility; current definitions of (and proposals to reform) the crimes of murder and rape; necessity and coercion defences; and homicide by victims of domestic abuse. 

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Elizabeth Shaw

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Law (LS)
  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • Master of Laws in International Law and Strategic Studies (Studied)
  • Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (Studied)
  • Master of Laws in International Law and International Relations (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course examines current debates in criminal law from theoretical and comparative perspectives – drawing on insights from different jurisdictions. Topics include: principles of criminalisation (i.e. discussion of what types of conduct should be criminalised, the moral justification for creating criminal laws and what limits should be set on the state’s power to enact criminal laws); mental capacity, age and criminal responsibility; current definitions of (and proposals to reform) the crimes of murder and rape; necessity and coercion defences; and homicide by victims of domestic abuse. 


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

2x 2500 word essay 50% each

 

Resit: resubmission of failed elements

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

Compatibility Mode

We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.