2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LAW1141 Introduction to Criminal Law

20 Credits Class Size: 70

Module manager: Dr Rosie Fox
Email: R.Fox@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Mutually Exclusive

LAW1260 Criminal Law
LAW2065 Criminal Law
LAW2066 Criminal Law

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to provide students studying Criminal Justice an overview of the legal elements of the criminal justice system, and outline the key legal concepts underpinning criminal responsibility. This module is intended to introduce students to researching legal subjects, with in-depth research on a criminal law case of their choosing for the assessment. Students will also learn about the criminal law in context and related issues of social justice and equality, with a particular focus on race, gender and sexuality, disability and class as frameworks for identifying shortfalls in the administration of criminal justice.

Objectives

This module will provide students with the opportunity to learn about key criminal law principles, cases and legislation, and to recognise and discuss the different political and cultural contexts in which criminal law operates at a national level.

Students will learn collaboratively using various interactive activities. Students will be encouraged to critique existing legal rules and principles in criminal law though application of the law to case studies and discussion of wider social and political issues. Additional reading and study materials are provided for students to engage in wider reading and independent study.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1) identify and describe fundamental legal concepts and rules of criminal law;
2) Identify major issues in contemporary crime, criminal law and criminal justice.
3) interpret criminal law information and data to provide an insight into the operation of the criminal law and system and their relationship to relevant social and political contexts.
4) engage in reflective practice and in reflective discussion on issues of social justice in criminal law.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1) Recognise critical thinking skills and raise questions concerning established ideas and knowledge.
2) Develop independence in learning through self-reflection.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Seminar 11 2 22
Independent online learning hours 16.5
Private study hours 161.5
Total Contact hours 22
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework . 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team