LW6014 - Introduction to Comparative and International Criminal Law

There will be 24 lectures on this module and 6 two hour small group sessions. You will be supported by a module handbook which outlines the activities (independent study/reading, self evaluative tasks, mock trials, informal practice assessments) throughout the module.

Direct learning will centre on detailed and up-to-date learning materials which will be available via the module dedicated e-Learning (eLP) site and will include guided reading using electronic reading lists, self-evaluative tasks as well as opportunities to engage with your tutor and fellow students. You will have the opportunity (optional) to participate in a mock trial using our recreated courtroom. You will also have the opportunity (optional) to join our study visit to the International Criminal Courts at the Hague, the Netherlands.

Independent learning will centre on you identifying further reading and research to provide deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of substantive aspects of comparative and international criminal law.
You will be provided with detailed feedback on your formative and summative assignment for this module, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments you will be undertaking during your studies. You are therefore able to demonstrate self-reflection and reflective practice within the module and on the programme as a whole, with feedback of appropriate quality and the positive application of formative feedback on learning.

The University is well-placed to support you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal database and resources and appropriate software.

This module is designed and will be managed by your designated Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module. All relevant materials and instructions will be accessible on-line through the module elp site, maintained by your Module Tutor, who will also provide updates on issues of current legal significance. You may communicate with your Module Tutor or seminar tutor by e-mail or telephone or face during teaching sessions or by appointment and are encouraged to make contact if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the module.

Academic support is also available through formative and summative feedback on assignment and a module teaching and learning plan (TLP) detailing delivery structure and any University requirements.

The Administration and Student Liaison teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the module, such as receiving your completed assignment, returning your marked assignment and recording your marks. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module about assignment hand-in dates and other issues.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
At the end of the module you will have:
• developed knowledge and a critical understanding of substantive aspects of comparative criminal law in the major legal systems of the world and how international judges and practitioners from different legal schools of thoughts undertake such comparative approach in dealing with international crimes.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
At the end of the module you will have:
• developed an ability to conduct rigorous and independent comparative legal research relevant to substantive aspects of criminal law and international criminal law; selecting, using and applying the relevant materials to identify legal issues, construct rational and sound arguments and present accurate legal information clearly, coherently and substantiated by authority.
• developed your oral and presentation skills by taking active part during seminars and during the mock trial (optional).

Formative assessment you will be required to summit a formative essay which normally should not exceed 1,000 words and you will be provided with feedback that can be utilised in the preparation of the summative essay.

Summative assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. This assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues presented within the module and to explore these in-line with directed and independent learning.

The specific nature of the assignment may vary and may include an essay question or problem based scenario with a maximum word count 2,500.

Assessment criteria are provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.

You will be provided with appropriate written feedback, and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module on the programme.

Criminal law

None

Can we claim duress in a murder case? Or in a murder case as a crime against humanity? Why is dolus eventualis (a mens rea standard) sufficient to trigger the criminal responsibility for murder in South Africa and other Romano/Germanic legal systems but not in the criminal law of England and Wales? Is ‘brainwashing’ a legal defence in any of the major legal systems of the world? Does it amount to diminished responsibility, insanity or duress? What are the constituent elements of murder under domestic law, as crime against humanity and as the crime of genocide? Is there specific technique or method international judges have to adopt in their search for general principles of law recognised by the major legal systems of the world? In answering these questions you will critically engage with research outputs as part of your research-rich learning, drawing from Northumbria’s extensive on-line databases and library facilities. You will be assessed by researched assignment (100%) which will consolidate your understanding of international and comparative criminal law and develop your skills of critical analysis.