Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - CRIM 230 D100

Criminal Law (3)

Class Number: 7787

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2018
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 135.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Nature, purpose, scope, sources and basic principles of the criminal law. Study of certain fundamental legal concepts such as mens rea, negligence and strict liability. Analysis of the concept of criminal responsibility in Canada. Critical examination of the legislative policies expressed in the Criminal Code. Study of the basic elements of a criminal offence. Examination of the legal principles relating to certain specific crimes and to certain major defences. Impact of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the criminal law.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of substantive criminal law in Canada, with particular emphasis on the elements of offences and various legal defences available to an accused. Special consideration will be given to the constitutional dimensions of the criminal law, including the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to conduct a thorough analysis of complex criminal law fact patterns, identify and examine relevant criminal law issues, select and identify the material rules of law, and explain how the law applies to each of the relevant issues

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 20%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • In-class Presentation 10%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1. Simon Verdun-Jones, Criminal Law in Canada: Cases, Questions and the Code, 6th ed (Thomson Nelson Learning, 2015).

2. 2019 Pocket Criminal Code (Carswell, 2019).

1. Additional readings will be available through Canvas or through Library resources.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (ASSC 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop-off box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax. 
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • E-mail policy for on campus courses only: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS