If you are a law student, you may have been asked, “What is advanced criminal law?” Usually, this question is followed by, “What do you need to study in order to take the advanced criminal law exam?” In this article, I will answer those questions and explain the requirements for taking the ACL. The Core principles, the categories of offenses, and the Inquiry-based learning approach will also be discussed.
Table of Contents
Core principles
The ExLibro Advanced Criminal Law course examines a wide range of topics that are relevant to criminal law practitioners, and provides students with a deeper understanding of the role of law in society. This course explores the law’s responsibilities and functions, as well as areas of socially useful behavior.
Advanced Criminal Law also goes a step further by examining the role of legal theory in the construction and implementation of a legal system. The subject takes a critical look at the major forms of crime, recent amendments to criminal defenses, and the principles on which criminal laws operate. Throughout the semester, the student will be asked to conduct interdisciplinary legal research that will contribute to the class discussion. Guests with expertise in the area of study will periodically visit the class.
Aside from the practical benefits of the Advanced Criminal Law course, the course also fosters a critical sensitivity to Indigenous knowledge and the importance of respect for law. Students will learn to evaluate different theoretical approaches to the law, and to apply the concepts and techniques learned in a respectful manner to criminal law.
Categories of offense
In the field of criminal law, a lot can happen in the short span of a courtroom session. This is due to the fact that judges have a limited number of cases to rule on at any given time. A criminal case is classified into four broad categories, based on the severity of punishment that can be levied on the defendant.
The first rung on the ladder in the criminal hierarchy is the infraction. These are lesser crimes, usually punishable by a fine or probation. Among the infractions are motor vehicle offenses such as a simple traffic ticket. Felonies, on the other hand, are the stuff of nightmares. They are typically supported by heinous intent and result in injury, loss, or property damage. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, you know what it’s like to be trapped in a cage.
The first order of business is to identify the crime. There are many ways to classify a crime, but it can be boiled down to the following: felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and petty crimes.
Inquiry-based learning approach
Inquiry-based learning is a method of teaching that allows students to engage in a range of activities that include conducting investigations. This method provides an opportunity to enhance critical thinking skills, engage students in learning, and improve cross-disciplinary opportunities. However, it can also be challenging to assess student progress and determine whether or not students are meeting benchmarks.
The Science Leadership Academy, a public magnet high school, has adopted an inquiry-based approach to learning. According to the director of the school, Chris Lehmann, the approach requires difficult tradeoffs. But it has proved to be a success.
The curriculum is designed to allow students to develop evidence about their work practices. As a result, students become motivated to merge evidence-based practice into their professional life. Their work includes analyzing and evaluating quantitative research articles published in major criminal justice journals.
An important aspect of an inquiry-based education is the creation of an environment that is supportive and safe. Students are encouraged to direct their own learning and take control of their own studies. This also allows them to align their skill set with the challenge at hand.
Requirements
Advanced Criminal Law is a subject that provides students with a deeper knowledge of criminal law and an opportunity to conduct research in the field. The course requires students to prepare an original research project and make presentations in the class. It also incorporates an inquiry-based learning approach that allows students to shape the syllabus.
Advanced Criminal Law is an elective subject for students in the Juris Doctor program. It focuses on emerging issues in criminal justice. Students can select to focus on areas such as criminal liability, mental incapacity, and youth justice. In addition, students can study perspectives on the justice system arising from comparative law.
Students can gain practical experience through participation in the Criminal Practice Clinic. This allows students to conduct evidentiary hearings in a courtroom. Each trial features volunteer jurors from the University of Illinois community.
Students must demonstrate advanced knowledge of criminal law topics, as well as reasoning and research skills. Additionally, they must be able to make professional decisions and communicate them to stakeholders and adversaries.
