module specification

Criminal Litigation provides students with an understanding of criminal litigation in a legal practice context. The course introduces students to the criminal litigation process, including the role and powers of the police in relation to stop and search and arrest, the role of the CPS in charging and prosecuting an offender and the structure and jurisdiction of the criminal courts. The module also introduces students to professional conduct rules in a legal practice context.

The module aims to develop several key transferable skills including independent research, critical analysis and written and oral presentation skills in the context of a practical legal subject. It also aims to give students an insight into the practical aspects of law which is particularly valuable if they are contemplating a career in legal practice.

Student employability will be enhanced by the development both of these skills and also by gaining expertise in answering situational judgment, multiple-choice questions, such as are typical in professional legal assessments such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and some Bar Practice courses.

AIMS OF THE MODULE:

• This module enables students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum by embracing and developing diverse perspectives.

• This module Empowers all students as change-makers, by equipping them with skills to contribute positively to a  global and diverse world.

• In its use of experiential workshops, the module will place students at the heart of their learning experience, allowing them to develop both personally and professionally within their chosen employment sector. This is in accordance with the Identity, Personalisation and Reflection aims of the ESJ Framework.

• This module allows students to engage in formative assessments following every three student led sessions. The assessments incorporate situational judgement and MCQs, and students receive direct feedback.  This allows space for continued revision, and for all students to be given the chance to catch-up in their studies and be allocated fairness and inclusivity.

1. Introduction to Criminal Litigation (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

2. Police Powers (LO1, LO2 and LO3):

• Stop, Search and Arrest
• Detention and Interrogation
• Obtaining ID evidence
• The decision to prosecute

3.  Public Funding  (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

4. Bail Applications Bail Applications (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

5. Prosecutions (LO1, LO2 and LO3):

• Indictable only offences
• Either Way offences
• Summary Offences

6. Trial Procedure (LO1, LO2 and LO3):

• Rules of Criminal Evidence
• Corroboration, the ‘Turnbull Guidelines’, Hearsay and Character Evidence
• Sentencing
• Plea in Mitigation

Learning & Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. 

The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.
 

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:

1. Apply the principles of criminal litigation in realistic case-studies scenarios.

2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse legal and factual information relating to criminal litigation procedure in a range of hypothetical scenarios.

3. Demonstrate an expertise in answering complex multiple-choice questions about criminal litigation which test situational judgment in a highly nuanced manner.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/7C50E068-7556-663D-3BAE-14B956CCCB08.html

CORE
Criminal Litigation: 2025/26: Legal Practice Course Guides (LPC) 2025, by Deborah Sharpley

DATABASES
Westlaw Edge UK
Lexis+ UK