LAW 2599 - Criminal Law

Criminal Law introduces the Australian criminal justice system, principles of criminal responsibility, and the classification of criminal offences according to seriousness (summary, minor indictable and major indictable) and liability (full fault, strict liability and absolute liability). The bulk of the semester is dedicated to examining and, applying to practical situations, (i) the elements of the substantive offences of dishonesty, unlawful killing, sexual offences, indecent filming and assault and cause harm offences;(ii) the defences of self-defence and mental impairment; and (iii) extended liability through the law of attempt. The course uses a 'case file approach' to seminars and assessment to provide students with practical skills to assist them to transition into legal practice.