The programme will study the principles of Criminal Justice providing learners with an understanding of the Criminal Trial Process.  Case studies will be used for demonstration purposes and learners will:

• Develop a general understanding of the Irish Criminal System.
• Develop an appreciation of the elements required for a crime to be committed.
• Evaluate the impact of relevant legislation governing the various aspects of criminal law to be investigated.
• Acquire skills in evaluation and analysis.
• Be familiar with the language and procedures related to the various aspects of criminal law studied.

The Certificate in Criminal Law is composed of five units:

Unit 1: Introduction to the Irish Criminal Law System

• Investigate how the relevant articles under the constitution protect Irish citizens in society against crime.
• Provide examples of different types of crime.
• Explain the nature of: an actus reus and mens rea of a crime.
• Explain the terms - accomplice to crime, principal in crime, accessory after the fact.

Unit 2: The Criminal Court System and Arrest and Detention

• Summarise the functions of the Gardai, Courts, Prison Service, Probation Service and Director of Public Prosecutions in the Criminal Justice System.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Criminal Court System outlining in detail the five main courts.
• Define arrest and outline the powers provided to Gardaí at Common Law.

Unit 3: The Crime of Homicide

• Define homicide and state two types of homicide - murder and manslaughter.
• Explain provocation and refer to relevant case law.
• Briefly explain euthanasia, abortion and infanticide.

Unit 4: Theft, Burglary, Aggravated Burglary and Robbery

• Refer to the actus reus and rnens rea of theft.
• Provide examples of ordinary thefts and specific thefts such as electricity and gas.
• Define aggravated burglary,.
• Define robbery.
• Refer to relevant case law in robbery, theft and burglary.