Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW261
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
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An understanding of criminal procedure is essential for understanding how criminal law and criminal justice operates in Australia.
This unit introduces you to the procedural law relevant to the criminal justice system and related ethical issues.
You will examine topics such as the law pertaining to police investigations, bail, roles and responsibilities of prosecutors and defence lawyers, court procedures, fair trial doctrine, convictions, and appeals against conviction.
You will also consider some challenging issues, such as wrongful convictions and the over-representation of indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system.
Critical consideration will also be given in each iteration to topical issues relevant to criminal justice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Michelle Edgely](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0004/90337/varieties/69x77.png)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the criminal justice system, including the purposes of various pre-trial criminal procedures and of the role of legal institutions including police, the DPP, defence lawyers, the jury and the courts;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the law pertaining to fair trial doctrine and appeals against conviction;
- research primary and secondary legal sources to frame solutions to criminal procedure problems or to criminal procedure policy questions;
- use critical thinking to craft strategic solutions to legal problems related to criminal procedure; and
- deliver legal advice or legal arguments via professionally appropriate written communications.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 words |
Quiz | No | 10% | All offerings | |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 50% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Criminal Procedure in Australia
ISBN: 9780409350111
Dr Andrew Hemming, Francine Feld and Thalia Anthony, 2nd edition 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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