Overview
LAWS11060 Criminal law provides knowledge of the procedures of and general doctrines of criminal law with emphasis on offences against the person (including murder, manslaughter and assault) and against property (including stealing) as expressed in the Queensland Criminal Code. Selective treatment is given to various defences and to the elements of criminal procedure. This unit meets the LPAB requirements for criminal law and procedure.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Corequisite: LAWS11057
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE comments
Students would like further guidance on how to formulate persuasive written submissions for the bail application.
Increase the duration of the ALC workshop on persuasive writing and record a video on drafting conventions and tips for enhancing written submissions.
Feedback from Feedback from students, SUTE data and
Students appreciated the examples provided in class of how to break down the issues in a criminal law question and respond using the IRAC methodology
Provide additional written examples of the IRAC methodology being used successfully and provide breakdowns and/or flowcharts of the issues that must be addressed for complex offences/defences.
Feedback from Feedback from students, staff reflection
Students benefited from the ALC sessions on exam preparation and the exam writing practice sessions
Retain the integration of the ALC's exam preparation sessions and retain exam writing practice sessions to provide students with experience of handwriting answers under time pressure.
- Analyse and explain the elements of the criminal offence or defence, and the onus and burden of proof
- Research and apply principles of criminal law in Queensland as expressed in legislation and case law to the analysis of criminal law problems
- Apply skills in communication, critical legal thinking and reasoning.
This unit satisfies the Priestley 11 requirements for Criminal Law as approved by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||
| 2 - Examination - 60% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Criminal Law in Queensland
3rd Edition (2026)
Authors: Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott, Carl Tessmann
Lawbook Co., Thomson Reuters,Australia
Australia
ISBN: 9780455249667
3rd edition will be published on 28 February 2026. The book will also be available as an e-book.
Binding: Paperback
3rd edition will be published on 28 February 2026. The book will also be available as an e-book.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Camera and microphone for attending Zoom tutorials
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.corbett-jarvis@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Criminal Law
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapters 1, 3 and 4.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Criminal Justice Process
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Pages 553 - 571
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Homicide
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapter 7.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Non-fatal Offences Against the Person
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 2nd ed, 2023), Chapters 8 and 11.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Offences Against Property
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapter 12 (pages 357 - 385).
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Offences Against Property and Drug Offences
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed), Chapters 12 (pages 385 - 398) and 13.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Mistake, Unwilled Acts & Accident
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapter 14.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Provocation and Self-help
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapters 15 and 16.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Practical Skills Task - Written Bail Application Due: Week 8 Monday (4 May 2026) 6:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Automatism, Insanity & Diminished Responsibility
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapter 17.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Intoxication
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapter 18.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Inchoate Liability and Secondary Liability
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Chapters 5 and 6.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Criminal Law Sentencing and Appeals Process
Chapter
Andreas Schloenhardt, Joseph Lelliott and Carl Tessmann, Criminal Law in Queensland (Lawbook Co, 3rd ed, 2026), Pages 572 - 580.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You will be presented with a criminal law problem scenario and you must advance persuasive legal arguments on behalf of a client who wishes to apply for bail.
The purpose of this assessment is to develop and build your legal advocacy skills and written communication skills.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. The use of AI tools or technology is prohibited in the completion of this assignment (level 1). You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content in any manner. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
Week 8 Monday (4 May 2026) 6:00 pm AEST
Students must upload their assessment as a Word document.
Estimated return time is 2 weeks. Papers will be returned once all papers (including those with authorised extensions) have been submitted.
You will be assessed on your ability to:
- conduct legal research,
- identify legal issues,
- apply the law to the facts
- advance persuasive legal arguments,
- communicate effectively in writing, and
- reference in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC4)
A criteria rubric will be provided in Moodle under the 'Assessment' tile.
- Research and apply principles of criminal law in Queensland as expressed in legislation and case law to the analysis of criminal law problems
- Apply skills in communication, critical legal thinking and reasoning.
Examination
Law dictionaries, Business and Law dictionaries (discipline specific dictionaries) are authorised.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
