Criminal Law
2751-BW-S2-1-PrK
The aim of the classes is to introduce students to selected institutions from the general part of substantive criminal law and specific types of crimes defined by the 1997 Penal Code. The goal is also to develop skills in solving legal problems.
Basics of criminal law
The concept and principles of criminal law
Criminal statute and its application; sources, interpretation, and applicability in terms of time, place, and persons
The concept of a crime and its structure
Forms of committing a crime; factual and staged
Circumstances excluding criminality; justifications, lack of fault, minimal social harmfulness
Concurrent crimes and legal provisions
The concept of punishment and the catalog of penalties and criminal measures
Judicial determination of penalties and changes to imposed sentences
Preventive measures
Statute of limitations and expungement of convictions.
Total student workload
In the "Criminal Law" course, the student is expected to complete a total of 30 hours of work, including 15 hours of lectures, 15 hours of exercises, and additional independent study.
Lectures (15 hours)
During the lectures, the student gains theoretical knowledge of criminal law, including the basic principles of criminal law, crimes and punishments, as well as specific institutions such as concurrent crimes, preventive measures, and the statute of limitations for convictions. The lectures also cover the interpretation of the Criminal Code provisions, enabling the student to acquire broad and detailed knowledge of substantive criminal law.
Exercises (15 hours)
The exercises focus on the practical application of criminal law provisions. Students solve case studies, participate in discussions, and analyze specific legal cases. The aim of the exercises is to develop skills in solving legal problems, applying criminal law norms, and assessing different legal situations related to crimes and punishments.
Independent Study (approximately 20 hours)
Outside of class, the student should dedicate time to independent study, which includes:
Reviewing literature and source materials, including the Criminal Code.
Preparing for classes by analyzing cases and solving legal problems.
Developing presentations on topics related to criminal law.
Preparing for the exam, including reviewing the discussed topics.
The total workload for the student in the "Criminal Law" course is approximately 50 hours, including lectures, exercises, and independent study.
Learning outcomes - knowledge
Upon completing the course, the student should be able to apply theoretical knowledge and make a proper subsumption of specific factual situations. The student will understand the relationships and dependencies related to the functioning of substantive criminal law in Poland. Additionally, the student will be able to: explain the significance of key concepts in criminal law and legal theory, characterize the institutions of criminal law with reference to current doctrinal views and case law, and, in particular, identify and explain the foundations and principles of criminal liability, as well as the legal consequences and the principles of their application.
Learning outcomes - skills
The student should possess the ability to apply criminal law principles and rules of interpretation, as well as classify factual situations. The student is capable of interpreting relevant criminal provisions using accepted methods and rules of criminal law interpretation, including legal interpretation with regard to the statutory elements of a criminal offense. Additionally, the student is able to present and justify their position, both in writing and orally, concerning the application of substantive criminal law.
Learning outcomes - social competencies
Upon completing the course, the student:
Develops teamwork skills, participates in discussions, collaborates with other students in analyzing legal issues, and works together to solve case studies and problems related to criminal law.
Demonstrates responsibility and professional ethics, understands the role of criminal law in society and its impact on maintaining social order, as well as protecting values such as security, justice, and equality.
Takes responsibility for adhering to legal norms, understands the necessity of applying criminal law provisions in accordance with principles of justice and fairness.
Demonstrates the ability to make decisions in situations requiring legal analysis, showing readiness to solve legal problems in a conscious and responsible manner.
Exhibits communication skills, is able to express and justify their legal position, engage in legal arguments, and participate in negotiations on issues related to criminal law.
Teaching methods
The classes focus on discussing the basic premises of selected institutions from the general part of criminal law, as well as the elements of crime types, which are always preceded by solving case studies. During the case study analysis, students engage in discussions about issues that cause the most controversy in legal doctrine and case law.
Observation/demonstration teaching methods
- display
Expository teaching methods
- discussion
- description
- problem-based lecture
Exploratory teaching methods
- experimental
- practical
- case study
- panel
Prerequisites
(in Polish) Brak.
Course coordinators
Assessment criteria
During the classes, students will be assessed based on their ability to solve case studies and their overall participation. The course concludes with a mandatory quiz to test the knowledge acquired. There will be an opportunity for an early (zero) exam before the main session. The final exam in the session will be a written, open-book exam.
Bibliography
A. Marek, Prawo karne, Warszawa 2010;
A. Marek, Kodeks karny. Komentarz, Warszawa 2011
Baza aktów - LEX i Legalis
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors,
localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: