Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2023 - 2024
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Description This module aims: - to examine the origins and purpose of criminal law, including an examination of ever-evolving definition of criminal behaviour; - to consider the elements of a crime (actus reus, mens rea); - to explore the common law rules and legislation regulating the criminal law, with an investigation of the context in which such rules have developed; - to develop the necessary skills to determine criminal liability, construct defences and critically analyse the criminal law. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the function of criminal law in society; 2. Recount the basic principles of criminal law, and the context of their development and application; 3. Describe and apply the rules of criminal law; 4. Solve realistic problems with reference to case law and legislation; 5. Critique the development of Irish criminal law in relation to particular offences and defences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Introduction to the Criminal Justice System – origins and purpose of criminal law; evolving and changing definitions of criminal behaviour; brief introduction to criminological theories;Criminal Liability – burden and standard of proof; elements of a crime (actus reus, mens rea); secondary liability, including common design.Inchoate offences – attempt, incitement, conspiracy; defences to inchoate offencesGeneral defences – infancy, intoxication, insanity, automatism, self-defence, provocation, duress, necessity, entrapment, mistake, consentOffences against the Person (Fatal) – Murder and manslaughter – critical analysis of murder rates in IrelandOffences against the Person (Non-Fatal) – Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, syringe attacks – societal influences on development of non-fatal offencesSexual Offences – sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, rape, rape under section 4 – critical perspectives on sexual offencesOffences against Property – Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001theft, robbery, burglary, handling stolen property, criminal damageWithin this module there will also be an opportunity for students to participate in a tour of Mountjoy Prison. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 6350, Reports, 0, Law Reform Commission Consultation Papers and Reports on criminal law issues, e.g. Report on Homicide: Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter (January 2008), Consultation Paper on Legitimate Defence (November 2006), 6351, Electronic Sources, 0, Justis, WestLaw IE, FirstLaw, LexisNexis, www.bailii.org, www.irishstatutebook.ie, www.lawreform.ie, www.courts.ie, www.echr.coe.int, 6352, Moodle, 0, Lecture notes and links to relevant journal articles, case-law and websites will be available on the DCU Moodle page for this module., 6353, Other Journals, 0, Students should also regularly refer to relevant journals, such as the Irish Criminal Law Journal, the Judicial Studies Institute Journal, and the Dublin University Law Journal, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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