Module Details

Module Code: LAWS C1406
Module Title: Criminal Law 1
Title: Criminal Law 1
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Ivan Sheeran
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of criminal liability in Ireland.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify the purpose of the criminal law and explain how and why criminal wrongs can be distinguished from non-criminal wrongs.
LO2 Describe the difference between the actus reus and mens rea of a crime and discuss the various constituent elements of both.
LO3 Demonstrate understanding of the various degrees of criminal liability.
LO4 Demonstrate understanding of the different categories of homicide and assault related offences and specific defences that may be available to same.
LO5 Analyse the law and employ knowledge and understanding in solving relevant problems.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Criminal Law (10%)
• Origins and Purpose of Criminal Law • Distinction between Criminal and Civil matters • Classification of Crime
The Elements of Crime (40%)
• Actus Reus (including Causation) • Categories of Mens Rea • Crimes of Strict Liability • Liability of Participants
Fatal Offences Against the Person (30%)
• Murder • Manslaughter Defences specific to murder - Provocation, Diminished Responsibility, Mistaken excessive use of fatal force
Assault and related offences (20%)
Assault, Assault Causing Harm, Causing Serious Harm - Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 - Relevance of victim consent
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination80.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
In-Class Assessment
This assessment will objectively assess each student’s knowledge of the fundamental elements of a crime and of criminal liability.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 80
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 14.27 214
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Campbell, Kilcommins, O'Sullivan, Cusack. (2020), Criminal Law in Ireland, Cases and Commentary, 2nd. Clarus Press, Dublin, p.1300, [ISBN: 978191161140].
  • Charleton, McDermott, Herlihy, Byrne. (2020), Charleton and McDermott's Criminal Law & Evidence, 2nd. Bloomsbury Professional, Dublin, p.1400, [ISBN: 9781845922313].
  • Conor Hanly. (2015), An Introduction to Irish Criminal Law, 3rd. Gill & MacMillan.
  • McIntyre, McMullan & O'Toghda. (2012), Criminal Law, Round Hall, Dublin.
  • Gerard Coffey. (2010), Criminal Law, Round Hall.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • McAuley and McCutcheon. (2021), Criminal Liability, 2nd. Round Hall, Ireland.
  • Conway, Daly, Schweppe. (2010), Irish Criminal Justice - Theory,, Clarus Press.
  • Sean E. Quinn. (2009), Criminal Law in Ireland, Irish Law Publishing.
  • Thomas O’Malley. (2010), The Criminal Process, Roundhall.
  • McGreal. (2003), Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, Roundhall.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Westlaw. WestlawIE, (available through IT Carlow Library portal) – provides access to various Irish case law reports such as ILRM and ILTR dating back to 1867 and journals including the Irish Criminal Law Journal and Irish Law Times.
  • JustisOne. JustisOne, (available through IT Carlow Library portal) - provides extensive access to The Irish Reports and Irish Digests.
  • LexisNexis. LNB Legal.
  • Law Reform Commission Ireland. LRC, for all the latest reports and consultation papers published by the Law Reform Commission,
    http://www.lawreform.ie
  • www.courts.ie, for unreported cases of the Superior Courts 2002-present.
  • www.baillii.org/ie/legis and www.ucc.ie/law/irlii/criminallc.htm, for free access to law updates and leading Irish cases.
  • Department of Justice. Department of Justice and Equality,
    http://www.justice.ie/
Discussion Note: