Course Outline

CRM205 Criminal Law

Course Coordinator:Kelley Burton (kburton3@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

The course provides an introduction to criminal law and procedure in Queensland in its historical context and in relation to our federal system. The course introduces you to the physical and mental legal elements of crimes in general, issues of proof, and defences, through the examination of particular offences including homicide, assault, sexual offences, property offences and drug offences.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials - 1 hour in weeks 1-13. 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Synchronous on campus tutorial - 2 hours in weeks 2-11. 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials - 1 hour in weeks 1-13. 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Synchronous online tutorial - 2 hours in weeks 2-11. 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

  • Overview of the criminal trial process
  • Fatal offences
  • Non-fatal offences
  • Sexual offences
  • Property offences
  • Drug offences
  • Public order and traffic offences 
  • Attempts and parties
  • Provocation and diminished responsibility
  • Self-defence
  • Act independent of will, accident, insanity, intoxication, honest claim of right to property and mistake of fact
  • (All topics potentially containing mature content)

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate and apply relevant knowledge of the principles of criminal law and procedure. Knowledgeable
2 Apply critical thinking, analysis and reasoning to generate appropriate responses to issues and problems in criminal law. Creative and critical thinker
3 Communicate effectively in various modes. Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

LAW103 or LAW104 or LGL201

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In the tutorials in weeks 2-6, you will engage in activities that ask you to self-assess and reflect on your learning; and provide peer feedback on tutorial answers.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Activity Participation Individual 10%
50 minutes
Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Essay Individual 40%
1500 words
Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
2 hours
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Participation in tutorial activities
Goal:
This task is designed to develop your knowledge of the principles of criminal law and procedure.
Product: Activity Participation
Format:
Submit: Weeks 2-6. Oral answers to tutorial questions in class or online.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Active participation during tutorials in weeks 2-6
1 2 3
2
Relevant knowledge
1
3
Critical thinking, analysis and reasoning
2
4
Effective oral communication
3
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal:
This task is designed to develop your critical writing skills. You will research and critically analyse a topical issue in Queensland criminal law.
Product: Essay
Format:
You must complete an essay on the topical issue in Queensland criminal law set by the course coordinator. The essay topic and further instructions will be released on Canvas in week 1. In week 1, we will discuss how to write an essay and the essay topic. In week 5, you will self-assess your progress and reflect on your learning.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Relevant knowledge
1
2
Critical thinking, analysis and reasoning
2
3
Structure and writing
3
4
Presentation and referencing
3
All - Assessment Task 3:Final examination
Goal:
The exam is designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the complexities of the Australian criminal law system.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
Answer to an unseen problem based question. You will apply the IRAC (Issue, rule, application and conclusion) technique. You will need include relevant relevant legislation and cases in your answer.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Knowledge of the law, as evidenced by accurate statement of relevant legal principles.
1
2
Critical and analytic reasoning, as evidenced by cogent and coherent application of legal principles to the fact situation as stated.
2
3
Requisite academic communication skills, as evidenced by logical structure of arguments, appropriateness of conclusions, inclusion of case authorities and legislative references, and use of accurate and appropriate expression.
3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Kelley Burton, Thomas Crofts and Stella Tarrant 2020 Principles of Criminal Law in Queensland and Western Australia 3rd ed Thomson Reuters

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au