Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW261
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
An understanding of criminal procedure is essential for understanding how criminal law and criminal justice operates in Australia.
This unit introduces you to the procedural law relevant to the criminal justice system and related ethical issues.
You will examine topics such as the law pertaining to police investigations, bail, roles and responsibilities of prosecutors and defence lawyers, court procedures, fair trial doctrine, convictions, and appeals against conviction.
You will also consider some challenging issues, such as wrongful convictions and the over-representation of indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system.
Critical consideration will also be given in each iteration to topical issues relevant to criminal justice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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 a broad understanding of the criminal justice system, including the purposes of various pre-trial criminal procedures and of the role of legal institutions including police, the DPP, defence lawyers, the jury and the courts;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the law pertaining to fair trial doctrine and appeals against conviction;
- research primary and secondary legal sources to frame solutions to criminal procedure problems or to criminal procedure policy questions;
- use critical thinking to craft strategic solutions to legal problems related to criminal procedure; and
- deliver legal advice or legal arguments via professionally appropriate written communications.
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 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 words |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Quiz | No | 10% | All offerings |
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.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Criminal Procedure in Australia
ISBN: 9780409357844
Hemming, A., Feld, F. and Anthony, T., Lexis Nexis 3rd edition 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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