Course coordinator
Professor Andreas Schloenhardt
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course critically explores the purpose and operation of criminal law in Australia, chiefly in Queensland. It covers the general principles of criminal liability, selected specific offences under Queensland's criminal law, and draws comparisons to developments at common law, federal criminal law, and other jurisdictions. The course also offers a brief introduction to criminal procedure.
This course critically explores the purpose and operation of criminal law in Australia, chiefly in Queensland. It covers the general principles of criminal liability, the general part and some specific offences under Queensland’s criminal law, and draws comparisons—where relevant—to developments at common law, federal criminal law, and other jurisdictions. The course also offers a brief introduction to criminal procedure.
Students are expected to do more than just acquire a body of knowledge and develop skills in the application of principles and analysis of criminal responsibility. Students in this course are invited to critically reflect on their relationship to the criminal law as citizens, as future practitioners of the discipline, as victims, and as potential subjects of its sanctions. The course also reflects on the aims of the criminal law, limitations of criminal liability, and avenues for law reform and policy change in this field of study.
The course is delivered in an interactive way with an expectation that students prepare for all classes, participate actively, engage in discussions, and collaborate with each other. It is essential that students attend all classes.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students undertaking this course must be familiar with the use and interpretation of statutes and case law and the basics of the Australian legal system, which are covered in LAWS1700 (Foundations of Law). Furthermore, students should bring to the course a general understanding of recent and current political events and social development. It is expected that students will keep up with current affairs using reliable news services.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
LAWS1700
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
(LAWS2004 + 2006) or (2700 + 2701) or (2113 + 2114)
Restrictions
LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) duals
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Andreas Schloenhardt
Tutor
Professor Andreas Schloenhardt
Mr Carl Tessmann
Dr Joseph Lelliott
Ms Sruthi Balaji
Mr Thomas Wilkinson
Mr James Finnimore
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check mySI-net for any updates and changes to the timetable.
NOTE: It is important that students attend all classes not least because assessment will take place in the seminars. ﾠFurthermore, previous years show that there is a strong correlation between attendance and results.
Students in this course have a range of seminars and times to choose from, some of which will be undersubscribed. Evening classes have been scheduled for students who have other commitments. Thus, all students should be able to enrol in a seminar that suits their schedule. Students must attend the seminar they are enrolled in - and only that one. ﾠRegrettably, it is not always possible for every student to enrol in their seminar of first choice. Please note that seminars are strictly limited to a set number of students per group and that it is not possible to add students to classes that are already full.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
This course has two main aims. The first aim is to provide a critical introduction to the principles of criminal responsibility with a specific focus on Queensland'sﾠCriminal Code, the federal Criminal Codeﾠ(Cth), and (where relevant) common law. The second aim is to impart skills in the techniques of analysis of cases and of existing and proposed law, to enhance students' abilities to communicate and discuss controversial issues of contemporary criminal justice, and to research relevant legislation, case law, and other literature.
This courseﾠenables students to acquire a competent understanding and problem-based approach toﾠthe application of the criminal law in the following areas:
- Principles of criminal responsibility; subjects and sources of criminal law; elements of criminal liability; burden of proof.
- State and federal criminal law dealing with a selection of fatal and non-fatal offences against the person (including sexual offences); offences of stealing and dishonesty.
- Extensions of criminal liability.
- Defences (excuses and justifications).
- Introduction to criminal procedure.
The course is interactive with students expected to prepare for and actively participate in lectures and seminars. It is essential that students attend all
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles of criminal responsibility.
LO2.
Demonstrate a general understanding of the sources, offences, and defences of criminal law in Australia, especially in Queensland.
LO3.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of criminal procedure and the policies and politics relating to criminal justice in Australia.
LO4.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of relevant sources of criminal law at state/territory, federal, and international levels.
LO5.
Identify and locate relevant legislation, cases, policy documents, and scholarly literature in this field of study.
LO6.
Critically and independently analyse relevant laws, judicial decisions, policy documents, and academic writing in this field of study.
LO7.
Independently create solutions and develop recommendations for policy change and law reform.
LO8.
Make informed contributions orally and in writing to in-class discussions and exercises.
LO9.
Articulate applications and critical analyses of criminal law and criminal cases orally and in writing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial Test
|
15% |
17/03/2025 - 20/03/2025 |
| Examination, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
In-semester Examination
|
35% |
7/04/2025 - 10/04/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Paper
|
50% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Tutorial Test
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
17/03/2025 - 20/03/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
At the start of the week 4 seminars, students will sit a 25 mins test comprising three parts: (1) 5 multiple choice questions (30 marks), (2) identification of the elements and defences of an offence (30 marks), and (3) finding a relevant offence based on a short fact scenario (40 marks). The test is based on the contents of weeks 1 to 3 of the course.
The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI or MT technologies may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy .
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 25 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Criminal Code (Qld) |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Students will receive the assessment task online in class. Students can only undertake the test in the seminar in which they are enrolled.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
In the unlikely event that a student cannot attend their class for medical or serious personal reasons (evidence required), the student will undertake the test at a centrally set date and time in week 9.
In-semester Examination
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
7/04/2025 - 10/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L08, L09
Task description
In the week 7 seminars, students will sit a 40-minute exam covering the contents of weeks 1 to 7 of the course. The exam includes ten multiple choice questions (30 marks) and one open question regarding criminal responsibility for a short case scenario (70 marks). The case scenario will be available on Blackboard one week prior to the exam. The question will be released with the exam.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy .
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Criminal Code (Qld) |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Students will receive the assessment task online in class. Students can only undertake the test in the seminar in which they are enrolled.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
In the unlikely event that a student cannot attend their class for medical or serious personal reasons (evidence required), the student will undertake the test at a centrally set date and time in week 9.
Research Paper
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
The final piece of assessment involves a research assignment that focuses on the examination of existing or proposed law and recommendations for law reform.
Further details and instructions about this piece of assessment will be released on 22 May 2025 at 2pm via Blackboard under "Assessment". Sample research papers, including questions from previous years, will be discussed in some seminars from week 6 onwards.
Assignments should be no more than 2000 words long. Note that it is the quality, not quantity that matters and there is a danger that long papers overemphasise minor issues.
A special discussion board for the assignment has been created on Blackboard (under “Discussion Boards”). Please place any questions relating to the content or format of the assignment on this discussion board.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy .
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Complete assessment guides, setting out the format and criteria of each piece of assessment are available at Blackboard ("Assessment" folder).
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
For additional reading and other material, please refer to the extensive reference sections in the textbook.ﾠ These references also serve as a useful entry point for further research.
Questions and exercises for the weeklyﾠseminars are available on Blackboard. Additional notes and material will be made available on Blackboard where relevant.
PowerPoint slides shown in lectures and seminars will be available online at the end of each teaching week. For pedagogical reasons these slides will not be available in advance. These slides supplement the lectures and seminars; they are no substitute for attending classes.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Lectures The lecture topics are:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Seminar |
Seminars The seminar topics are:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: