INTRODUCTION
Criminal law is one of the main components in the study and practice of law. This module introduces learners to the subject and the sources of criminal law. It begins by explaining what criminal law is, proceeds on to examine how criminal liability arise. The module looks at punishment and what its basis is, explains joint enterprise in the commission of crimes, inchoate offences then proceeds to examine specific crimes. The module ends with a look at general defences. The module equips learners with this very vital information in one of the most important components of law on the LLB program.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this module are:
- To explain what criminal law is and its sources
- To explain how criminal liability arise in criminal law
- To examine punishment as a mechanism for enforcement of criminal laws
- To explain what joint enterprise is and who parties to a crime are
- Explain what inchoate offence is and what determines its existence
- To examine the different specific crimes as described by law
- To identify and explain the general defences available in criminal law
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module you should be able to:
- Know and explain what criminal law is and its sources
- Know and explain how criminal liability arise
- Explain punishment as a mechanisms for enforcement of criminal laws
- Know and explain what joint enterprise is
- Know and explain what inchoate offence is
- Know and explain the specific offenses described under the criminal laws
- Identify and apply the defences available in criminal law
UNIT 1 – CRIMINAL LAW – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 2 – CRIMINAL LAW – A TOOL OF SOCIAL CONTROL
UNIT 3 – JOINT ENTERPRISE
UNIT 4 – INCHOATE OFFENCES
UNIT 5 – OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON (FATAL)
UNIT 6 – OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC MORALITY
UNIT 7 – OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY
UNIT 8 – OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH
UNIT 9 – OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
UNIT 10 – DEFENCES (GENERAL)
RECOMMENDED READING
Kulusika Simon E. (2020). Criminal Law in Zambia: Doctrine, Theory and Practice. Lusaka: Chribwa Publishers
Hatchard J. and Ndulo M. (1994) Readings in Criminal Law and Criminology in Zambia. Multimedia Publishers
Smith, Hogan & Ormerod. (2021)(16th edn). Criminal Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press