Summer Application
Summer course registration is also now open! Courses start May 5th. You can register for Summer courses through SOLUS. Visit the student registration guide to learn how to
A comprehensive guide to Canada's criminal justice system
In this course, you will learn about the components of the criminal justice system and the fundamentals of criminal law. Some of the topics that will be explored include the sources of criminal law, the role of constitutional rights in criminal law, the elements of criminal offences, defences, and sentencing.
Embark on a detailed examination of criminal law and the criminal justice system in Canada through this undergraduate-level survey course.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the sources of criminal law and the structure of the criminal justice system. Learn to identify the elements of criminal offences and defences, and develop the ability to analyze fact scenarios involving criminal law issues. Explore the purposes and principles of sentencing, the influence of constitutional rights on criminal law, and how the criminal justice system has addressed systemic disparities. Critically assess the impact of criminal law on marginalized populations, and strengthen your legal communication skills through case analysis, persuasive argumentation, and critical evaluation of key legal issues in criminal law.
Students will have opportunities to solidify their knowledge and understanding of course concepts by completing quizzes and written assignments. Extend their learning by participating in a discussion board, analyzing fact patterns, and participating in mock trials and plea-bargaining exercises. A final exam will test overall comprehension of the course material.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the sources of criminal law and the structure of the criminal justice system.
- Learn the elements of criminal offenses and defences and be able to analyze fact scenarios in which criminal law issues arise.
- Understand the purposes and principles of sentencing, how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms shapes sentencing, and how criminal law has responded to disparities in the criminal justice system.
- Be able to critically assess the criminal law, including its impact on marginalized populations.
- Learn to develop effective legal communication skills through case analysis, argumentation, and critical evaluation of legal issues in criminal law.
Course Offering (may be subject to change)
Criminal Law (Law 208/708) is offered every September and May.
Assessment Weighting (may be subject to change)
| ASSESSMENT TOOL | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
| Weekly quizzes: | 12 x 1% = 12% |
| Discussion board posts | 6 x 3% = 18% |
| Fact pattern | 10% |
| Fact pattern peer review | 10% |
| Mock trial | 20% |
| Exam | 30% |
Course Materials
Criminal Law in Canada: Cases, Questions, and the Code: 8th edition (Emond Publishing, 2025). David MacAlister & Simon Verdun-Jones. This is a required textbook. The hardcopy can be purchased through Queen's Campus Bookstore or directly from Emond Publishing.
Textbook Buying Options
Hardcover - $99.00 (non-returnable) or $110.00 (returnable)
eTextbook - Digital access, coming soon