Course Title: Criminal Law Investigation and Procedure

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Criminal Law Investigation and Procedure

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr. Brianna Chesser

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 399259238

Course Coordinator Email: brianna.chesser@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 37, Floor 4 Room 20

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

In this course, you will learn and apply the principles and elements of state and federal laws relating to criminal investigation and procedure. In particular, you will consider the powers of investigators and statutory investigative regimes, discretion to initiate prosecution, the discretion to initiate prosecution, how criminal proceedings are commenced, the nature of bail, the process of hearings including appeals. You will consider the application of these principles in the context of the substantive criminal law.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

CLO1: Recognise some of the important processes of the criminal law with focus on the balance between the rights of the individual and the state

CLO 2: Critically assess laws relating to investigation and procedure 

CLO 3: Demonstrate your problem solving skills by applying laws relating to investigation and procedure to hypothetical fact situations

CLO 4: Critique recent reforms and the context of reform in the area of criminal procedure

CLO 5: Demonstrate legal research techniques.


In this course, you will develop the following graduate capabilities:

  • Critical analysis and problem solving
  • Communication
  • Effective management and use of information


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is generally delivered online using a series of modules.  When the course is delivered in face-to-face mode, learning activities include lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, problem solving exercises, videos, and student lead discussions. 


Overview of Learning Resources

A textbook or case book may be prescribed for this course. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment will include:

  1. Quizzes 20% assesses CLOs 1,2
  2. Case Study 30% (1200 words) assesses CLOs 2,3
  3. Research Essay 50% (1800 words) assesses CLOs 1,2,4,5.