Introduction
Criminal law is highly complex, vast, and overlaps with other areas of law such as company law, environmental law, family law, torts law and human rights. In Criminal litigation technical procedural rules and rules of evidence, ensure the accused is given a fair trial and only found guilty if the prosecution proves their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The role of the police, prosecutor and the Court is to ensure that those who commit an offence are punished and that punishment serves as a deterrence for other would be offenders. Balanced against this aim are the roles of defence lawyers who test the evidence the prosecution places before the Court and ensure that the jury convicts only on that evidence rather than speculation or innuendo. Judges and Magistrates are responsible for controlling the proceedings and guiding the jury.
Criminal proceedings are brought in the name of the Crown – not the victim. The Crown may decide not to prosecute certain offenders because evidence is weak. To understand the reasoning behind this, and maintain confidence in the criminal justice system, we must understand the elements that make up the offences, defences available and mitigating circumstances that all influence the guilt or innocence of an accused party.
Syllabus
- Criminal Liability >> learn about murder, manslaughter, and the partial defences available to an accused
- Other Criminal Offences>> examine the offences against the person such as assault, battery and grievous bodily harm and offences against property
- Defences>> study the full defences of insanity, mistake, intoxication, and self defence
- Criminal Litigation >> learn and understand the role of the police, the prosecution, defence, Magistrates and Judges, the Jury, the rights of the accused and Human Rights Protection.
- Case Study workshop
- Writers Corner
Each module contains a study of essential vocabulary and legal elements, exercises, writing, drafting, case studies and role plays. Modules can be taken separately depending on their interest or professional needs. If participants complete all modules, they will be awarded the Certificate of Completion which they can use to enhance their CV.
Total hours for the course = 6 hours
Dates for Group 1 course: TBA
Trainer & Author of Legal English (Pearson 2021): Sofia Parastatidou
Sofia is qualified in the UK and has been admitted as a solicitor since 1991. She is a former member of the New York State Bar Association and is now based in Italy where she trains lawyers, accountants and notaries and teaches law, masters courses and various post – graduate courses. Sofia is the President of ILETA and author of Legal English (Pearson) and trains lawyers who wish to re-qualify through the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination to become solicitors in England and Wales.
Cost:
Group: Special Introductory Offer: €150 (minimum 2: maximum 30 people)
Individual: One to One Private Lessons are quoted individually
Participants will be given a final test to verify their understanding and a certificate of completion which can be added to their CV.
For further details or to express an interest in this course send an email to : info@britishlawacademy.com
NB: as far as possible groups will be formed based English levels and professional experience.