Criminal Law

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) Introduces students to the nature, purpose, scope, sources and basic principles of the criminal law. The course covers certain fundamental legal concepts such as mens rea, negligence and strict liability, and the analysis of the concept of criminal responsibility in Canada. Students engage in a critical examination of the legislative policies expressed in the Criminal Code, as well as an examination of the legal principles relating to certain specific crimes and to certain major defences. The course also considers the impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the criminal law. Note: Students must have a declared major in Criminal Justice, or permission from the Instructor Requisite Courses: CJ-1002 or the former CJ-1101 [prerequisite(s)].