This module employs a range of multimedia sources and engaging activities to immerse you in key issues and debates relevant to the criminal justice system of England and Wales. The module will focus on a range of criminal offences, such as murder and theft, using real case studies, as well as aspects of criminal defences. You'll also address themes of law reform, campaigning, inequality and human rights.
What you will study
The module begins by discussing a selection of myths in criminal law, clarifying how and whether these ring true, for example, whether all criminal trials involve a jury. You'll see how cases are brought to court and why many crimes are never prosecuted at all.
You'll be introduced to:
- different sources of law and the role of Parliament and the courts in developing criminal offences and defences
- key criminal law concepts such as actus reus (wrongful act) and mens rea (blameworthy state of mind) through a real homicide case study
- the law relating to a range of criminal offences such as murder, theft, offences against the person, criminal damage, and harassment.
The final part explores youth justice, miscarriages of justice and double jeopardy. This will allow you to engage with a critical review of criminal law and help develop skills needed for onward study.
Studying this module will also help familiarise yourself with aspects of criminal defences, and with a particular focus on self-defence and duress.
Throughout the module, you'll be encouraged to engage with themes of law reform, campaigning, inequality and human rights through a range of multimedia sources, interactive activities and module materials. You'll also have opportunities to develop key skills such as reading for understanding, note-taking and summary writing.
Vocational relevance
The criminal law of England and Wales and the skills developed throughout this module form a compulsory part of any career path into legal practice. The subject knowledge and skills will prepare you for any career in law.
If you intend to use this module as part of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and you hope to enter the legal profession, you should read our Careers in Law information. There are different entry regulations into the legal professions in England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet these requirements.
Entry
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for higher education and distance learning. It will give you the foundation knowledge and study skills to study law at a more advanced level (OU levels 2 and 3). By the end of the module, you will be expected to be working at the level required of first-year undergraduate students.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.