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Unit of study_
LAWS1027: Criminal Law, Process, and Research I
2025 unit information
This unit is the first of two that introduce students to criminal law, criminal procedure, and legal research. Students will learn about the fundamental elements of the criminal legal system, including its adversarial nature, and selected criminal and procedural laws and practices. Topics include police powers, bail, elements of a criminal offence, and various offences. Students will assess broader theoretical, social, and justice issues related to the development and operation of criminal law and procedure, including the ongoing effects of colonisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives on criminal justice systems. Students will learn to analyse problems, construct persuasive legal arguments using legal reasoning, and develop legal research skills for study and practice, including how to locate and cite case law and legislation. Students will also participate in simulations and work collaboratively in teams.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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|
LAWS1025 |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS1014 and LAWS1016 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Critically analyse and appraise the impact of selected procedural and substantive criminal laws within their historical, social, political, and institutional contexts.
- LO2. Construct and justify persuasive legal arguments to address factual problems and theoretical issues concerning the development and operation of procedural and substantive criminal law.
- LO3. Lead independently and contribute to collaborative teams, upholding respectful and ethical standards, to effectively communicate complex legal concepts and arguments to diverse audiences.
- LO4. Critically reflect on key procedural and substantive criminal laws, Indigenous-led initiatives, and the ongoing effects of colonisation, on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ equality before the law.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
