Level 2 Certificate in Vocational Paralegal Studies - Full Syllabus

Choice Unit 204: The Nature and Role of The Criminal Law and Practice

1. Introduction to Criminal Law
   1. The nature of a crime
   2. Classification
   3. Sources
2. Principles of Liability
   1. Elements of an offence
   2. Actus reus
   3. Causation
   4. Mens rea
      - Intention
      - Recklessness
   5. Strict liability
3. General Defences
   1. Capacity
   2. Insanity
   3. Automatism
   4. Duress
   5. Self-defence
   6. Mistake
4. Fatal Offences Against the Person
   1. Murder
   2. Manslaughter
      - Voluntary manslaughter
      - Involuntary manslaughter
5. Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person
   1. Assault and battery
   2. Statutory offences
   3. Consent
   4. Rape
6. Offences Against Property
   1. Theft Acts 1968 and 1978
   2. Robbery and Burglary
   3. Criminal Damage Act 1971
7. The Role of the Police
   1. Stop and search
   2. Arrest
   3. Detention
   4. Police bail
8. PACE
   1. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984)
   2. The right to silence
   3. Bail
   4. Pre-trial procedures for an either-way offence