Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW314
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The focus of this unit is to extend your existing knowledge of criminal law by exploring a selection of challenging issues in a legal, social and policy-making context.
The unit content varies from year-to-year to respond to current issues such as new legislation, major court decisions and law reform reports, giving you the opportunity to identify and respond to criminal law issues in current real-world scenarios.
You will also develop advanced research, analysis and critical thinking skills.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of advanced concepts and complex issues in criminal law, including legal frameworks, policy objectives, collateral impacts and the normative, practical and implementation challenges of criminal law policy;
- critically analyse, and normatively evaluate criminal law in context taking into account a range of perspectives, the policy-making environment, including the media and a range of institutional and socio-cultural pressures;
- use advanced communication and creative and cognitive skills to persuasively communicate complex arguments relating to criminal law and policy; and
- demonstrate legal research skills, initiative, professional judgement and analytic skills to produce clear and coherent written communications on issues relating to criminal law and law reform.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1: Critical Reflection | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
| Assignment 2: Online Critical Engagment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. words: 800 |
| Assignment 3: Law Reform Assignment | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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