Contemporary Issues in Criminal Procedure

What is Criminal Procedure? This course will discuss a brief synopsis of the theory of criminal procedure. It will look at the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, differing categories of offences, prosecuting agencies (Police v Crown). Students will explore the roles that different judicial officers such as JP’s, Magistrates and Judges play in the criminal system while looking at arrests and/or court summons orders to court. This course will look at the requirements for a valid first arrest, opposition to bail, legal aid, pleas, sentencing indication and pre-trial applications. Students will explore the differences between Judge only trials and Jury trials, Jury pre-trial callovers and sentencing. LAWS380 will also take a more in-depth look at the lawfulness of police searches, dealing with mental health issues in criminal law and the issue of double jeopardy.