Overview
Criminal Law in Practice is delivered via intensive mode. The unit will build on your existing knowledge of criminal law with an emphasis on developing practical oral and written communication skills designed to assist you in the practice of criminal law. You will complete advocacy based assessment tasks that will require you to present legal argument, orally, via the use of zoom. You will analyse fundamental aspects of criminal law and apply the law using a practical methodology. In this unit you will study practical topics relating to specific criminal law issues including police powers and responsibilities in arrest and questioning, applying for bail, the registry committal and committal hearing process, procedures to ensure a fair trial, the role of the jury and verdict, sentencing of youth offenders and adult offenders and the appeals process to the District Court of Queensland, the Queensland Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia. The unit has a maximum number of students who can enrol due to the advocacy based assessment tasks.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: 48 credit points of law units including LAWS11060 and Co-requisite LAWS13010
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 Student feedback
Students enjoyed the practical assessment but queried the value of the take home paper assessment
Review the assessments in the unit.
Feedback from Student feedback
The intensive nature of the unit was difficult to adjust to when studying other units and the gap between the content and final take home paper was too long
Review the delivery of the unit and timing of assessments.
- Research and apply principles of criminal law from legislation, rules and case law to the analysis of practical criminal law scenarios
- Demonstrate persuasive written and oral communication skills in response to practical criminal law scenarios
- Apply critical legal thinking, analytical reasoning and professional judgment that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of criminal law issues.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 40% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 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 Process in Queensland
2nd Edition (2017)
Authors: Douglas.H., Barrett. M., Higgins. E.
Thomson Reuters
Pyrmont Pyrmont , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780455239750
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Webcam and microphone
- Zoom
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
d.epstein@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Module 1: Criminal procedure, courts, arrest, warrants and bail
Chapter
Textbook: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Module 2: Committal, trial, jury and verdict
Chapter
Textbook Chapters 6, 7 (pp161-181), 8, 9, and 10.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Module 3: Sentencing
Chapter
Textbook: Chapters 7 (pp 147-161), 11, and 12.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Module 4: The appeals process
Chapter
Textbook: Chapters 13 and 14 (pp 389-395).
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Module 5 Advocacy: Tips and Tricks
Chapter
Ross Hyams and Adrian Evans, Practical Legal Skills (OUP, 5th ed, 2023) Chapter 7 ('Advocacy').
This book is available as an e-book in the library.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Weekly Zoom workshop
Module/Topic
Assessment 1: Live Advocacy Assessments
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Live advocacy assessments take place this week.
Criminal Law Advocacy Exercise Due: Week 6 Monday (13 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Mid-term break
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Self-guided learning
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Assessment 2: Take home exam
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit is taught in intensive format. Students will study four modules in weeks 1 - 4 and a week focused on advocacy in week 5.
Students must be available for the live oral assessment (assessment 1) in week 6. Extensions for this task are not permitted. Students must have a working microphone and video camera for this live assessment.
Students must also be available for the take home exam (assessment 2) in week 8. Due to the nature of a take home exam, extensions are not permitted (including the 72-hour grace period) and submissions received beyond the deadline will not be accepted and marked as zero.
1 Practical Assessment
For this advocacy assessment, you must present your legal argument live to the unit coordinator and in the presence of other students via Zoom in week 6. You must be available to deliver your oral arguments live at the date and time specified in week 6. Due to the nature of the task, extensions are not permitted. You must also submit written submissions via Moodle by the specified due date. As these written submissions are connected to the oral assessment, extensions (including the 72-hour grace period) are not permitted.
You will be graded on your legal advocacy in addition to how you link your legal argument with reference to the law and facts.
You must nominate via a share document on Moodle your role for the assessment (either prosecutor or defence) as well as select a date and time to present your legal argument. The share document will be made available on Moodle in week 1.
The purpose of this assessment is to develop your legal advocacy skills. Therefore, the feedback is designed to refine and improve your advocacy skills for criminal law legal practice. You will receive feedback from the unit coordinator immediately following your oral submissions.
Due to the nature of this task, which requires live delivery of legal argument before a mock court and the production of written submissions, extensions for this assessment are not permitted. In addition, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply.
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 in any manner.
Academic Integrity standards apply to this assessment.
Week 6 Monday (13 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The written component of your submissions must be submitted via Moodle by the due date specified. The oral component will be conducted via Zoom at the nominated date/time. Extensions are not permitted.
Students will receive verbal feedback after their Zoom presentation. A grade will be confirmed via Moodle Gradebook after all students complete the assessment task.
You will be assessed on your legal advocacy skills, including the persuasiveness of your argument, and how you link your legal argument with reference to the law and the facts in a persuasive and concise style using grammatically correct language.
Assessment criteria:
These criteria are a general guide as to the standard expected at the various levels. It is not necessarily the case that all criteria will be met at a particular standard, as there may be superior performance on one of the criteria and only acceptable performance on another.
High Distinction standard:
· the assignment is very well written/spoken and clearly expressed and highly persuasive
· there is a demonstrated appreciation and understanding of the issues involved
· the assignment is well structured and logically organised
· demonstrated mastery of referencing system
· there is evidence of a comprehensive analysis of the issues
Distinction standard:
· the assignment is well written/spoken and expressed and persuasive
· the assignment is structured and logical
· the issues have been reasonably well identified and appreciated
· there is correct use of referencing
· issues have been analysed
Credit standard:
· the assignment is generally well written/spoken and expressed and persuasive
· the assignment is structured and sequential
· referencing is satisfactory
· issues are identified and addressed
· there has been an attempt to analyse some of the issues
Pass standard:
· the assignment is able to be followed and understood but often lacks persuasion
· the assignment could perhaps be better organised and structured
· the referencing may need improvement
· issues may need to be identified and addressed in more depth
· analysis when present may be incorrect
Fail standard:
· the assignment is sometimes significantly short of the required length
· the expression is poor and difficult to understand and lacks persuasion
· the assignment is poorly organised
· there has been a failure to address the issues in the question
· referencing is generally inadequate
- Research and apply principles of criminal law from legislation, rules and case law to the analysis of practical criminal law scenarios
- Demonstrate persuasive written and oral communication skills in response to practical criminal law scenarios
- Apply critical legal thinking, analytical reasoning and professional judgment that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of criminal law issues.
2 Written Assessment
The take home exam will be released on Moodle. The assessment will comprise criminal law problem scenarios requiring a legal argument with reference to legislation and case law to support your argument. A marking rubric will be released with the question.
This assessment must be completed by the due date (in week 8 - date to be advised). You will have 2.5 hours to complete the assessment. You must upload your answer to Moodle in a Word document to the assessment upload link by the due date and time.
Extensions are not permitted for take home exams (although Accessibility adjustments still apply).
Submissions after the deadline has passed will not be accepted and will receive a mark of zero.
Exam conditions apply to all take home papers.
For the duration of the exam, the use of generative AI, large language models and other similar tools are prohibited.
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. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment.
This assessment must be submitted by the specified due date and time. Due to the nature of this task, the standard 72-hour grace period does not apply. We recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise and encourage students to reach out as early as possible if they are experiencing difficulties, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered in line with university policy.
Academic integrity standards apply to the assessment.
The take home exam will take place in week 8 (date/time to be advised). Students are to submit their answer via the assessment 2 link on Moodle. As this is an exam, submissions after the deadline has passed will not be accepted and will be graded as zero. Extensions (including the 72-hour grace period) do not apply to this take home exam.
Students will receive their mark for this assessment and their grade for the unit on the date of certification/ release of grades.
You will be assessed on your :
- ability to identify the legal issues;
- research skills, including your use of case law and legislation in support of your discussions;
- application of the law, including your legal argument;
- use of persuasive, concise, and grammatically correct language; and
- referencing in accordance with the AGLC4.
- Research and apply principles of criminal law from legislation, rules and case law to the analysis of practical criminal law scenarios
- Demonstrate persuasive written and oral communication skills in response to practical criminal law scenarios
- Apply critical legal thinking, analytical reasoning and professional judgment that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of criminal law issues.
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?
