Criminal Law Fundamentals

Explore the essentials of criminal law—from arrest to sentencing—in this expertly structured course.

Overview:
The Criminal Law Fundamentals course offers a sharp, structured introduction to the machinery of justice, beginning with the definition of crime and carrying through to sentencing. It dissects legal principles with clarity, guiding learners through the elements of a crime, police powers, prosecution procedures, trial dynamics, and sentencing. Expect topics such as homicide, white-collar crime, and terrorism to be tackled with legal precision, without wandering off into dramatic courtroom clichés.

This course maintains its footing firmly in the law as it is, not as it’s glamorised. Whether it’s burglary or bribery, sexual offences or sentencing, each module keeps things grounded—examining the statute, precedent, and the role of legal institutions. With a dash of wit and plenty of rigour, it’s suited for those aiming to sharpen their legal knowledge or prepare for legally-aligned roles without needing to don a wig or robe.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand key legal principles governing criminal offences and defences.
• Identify the core elements that constitute a criminal offence.
• Examine the role and powers of police in criminal justice.
• Describe legal procedures from arrest through to sentencing.
• Recognise the legal distinctions in major offence categories.
• Analyse how courts handle and interpret criminal law cases.

Course Curriculum:

• Criminal Law Module 1 – Introduction to Criminal Law
• Criminal Law Module 2 – Elements of a Crime
• Criminal Law Module 3 – The Police
• Criminal Law Module 4 – Prosecution, Caution and Diversion
• Criminal Law Module 5 – The Trial
• Criminal Law Module 6 – Sentencing Process
• Criminal Law Module 7 – Homicide
• Criminal Law Module 8 – Blackmail, Robbery & Burglary
• Criminal Law Module 9 – White-Collar Crime
• Criminal Law Module 10 – Sexual Offences
• Criminal Law Module 11 – Terrorism & Law
• Criminal Law Module 12 – Theft

Who is this Course For:

• Anyone interested in how criminal law operates in the UK.
• Legal secretaries aiming to sharpen criminal law awareness.
• Police support staff wanting foundational legal knowledge.
• Law graduates seeking to revisit the basics with structure.
• Professionals in justice-related fields requiring legal clarity.
• Writers or journalists covering crime or court reporting.
• Compliance analysts working near legal or criminal sectors.
• Career changers with an interest in criminal justice roles.

Career Path:

• Paralegal (Criminal Law) – Average salary: £25,000–£32,000
• Legal Executive – Average salary: £30,000–£45,000
• Police Officer – Average salary: £28,000–£40,000
• Court Clerk – Average salary: £22,000–£30,000
• Probation Officer – Average salary: £27,000–£38,000
• Criminal Law Researcher – Average salary: £26,000–£35,000