The course considers important topics in the fields of criminal procedure and sentencing, which has been the focus of public attention in recent years, which has in turn generated a welter of legislative activity; the course presents the current position with a view to future changes in the pipeline.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will have gained substantial understanding of the fundamentals of criminal litigation; together with enhanced practical skills needed to work within this fast-paced and changing area.
Course Structure
An introduction to Criminal Law – Setting the scene
- Trial on Indictment
- Summary Trial
- Classes of Offences
- Office and Legal Conduct
Preliminaries to Court Appearance
- PACE’, Procedure, and Codes of Practice
- Commencing a Prosecution: The Two Basic Methods
- Arrest, investigate and charge
Prosecutors & Legal Personnel
- The Police
- The Crown Prosecution Service
- The Law Officers
- Barristers/Counsel
- Solicitors
The Decision to Prosecute
- Methods of commencing a prosecution
- Alternatives to Prosecution – Decision and Consideration
The Wheel and Oil of the Criminal Justice System
- The Criminal Court Structure and the European Dimension
- Youth Courts
- Jurisdiction of the Courts
- Bail and Remands
- Mode of Trial
- Disclosure
- The Course of the Trial
- Sentencing
- The Crown Court
Legal Word Processing & Essentials of Application & procedure (Practical Exercises)