Course Catalogue

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This course will provide a critical examination of particular stages of the criminal justice process from the initial investigation process through to appeals against conviction. It will do so with particular reference United Kingdom jurisdictions (especially Scotland) but will also draw upon the experiences of other jurisdictions and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

10 x 2-hour seminars

This course is only available to LLB students.

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A 1500 word essay (20%). This essay, early in the semester, will have both a formative and summative function.

A 4000 word essay (80%)

This course will:

1. Introduce students to the key stages of the criminal justice process in the UK, with particular reference to Scotland.

2. Help students to develop and apply conceptual, critical and analytical skills to the institutional and procedural issues associated with contemporary criminal justice in the UK, with particular reference to Scotland.

3. Assess the role of material from other jurisdictions as a source of understanding and critical analysis of the Scottish experience.

4. Provide opportunities to carry out independent research on topics of contemporary relevance.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Understand and critically analyse issues arising at all stages of the criminal justice process, from investigation to appeals against conviction.

2. Undertake independent research using a variety of legal and non-legal sources.

3. Exhibit a wide knowledge of both primary and secondary sources in relation to the topics covered.

4. Demonstrate oral communication skills, with a particular focus on presenting knowledge and information to support oral argument.