WEEK TOPIC SUB-TOPIC METHODS
1 Introduction Meaning and definition of criminal law
Nature, scope and purposes of criminal law
Criminal law and criminal justice
Criminal liability versus civil liability
Classification of offences • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
2 Sources of Criminal Law 1. The Constitution of Kenya 2010
2. Common Law
3. Precedence/ Judicial Decisions
4. Acts of Parliament
5. Statutory Laws
6. Customary Law
7. International Law • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
3 Actus Reus ✓ Meaning and components of actus reus
✓ Voluntary and involuntary conduct
✓ Acts, omissions and legal duties
✓ Possession as an actus reus
✓ Continuing acts and state of affairs offences
✓ Defenses and Justification through cases • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
4 Mens Rea ✓ Meaning of mens rea
✓ Intention and motive
✓ Knowledge,
Recklessness and
Negligence
Criminal Liability that need not have mens rea
o Strict Liability • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
5 Principles of Criminal Liability 1. Presumptions
Presumption of Law (innocence)
Presumption of Fact
2. Burden and standard of proof
o Burden on the State
o Burden on the Accused
o Persuasive and Evidential Burden
3. Ignorance of the Law • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
6 CAT I CAT I Take-away Test • Written Test
7 Parties to Offence 1. Principal offenders
2. Joint Offenders & Common intention
3. Aiders & Abettors
4. Counsellors, Procurers, Instigators & Inciters
5. Accessories Before & After the Fact
6. Accomplices & Consorters
o Vicarious Liability • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
8 General Defenses 1. Insanity and mental disorder
2. Intoxication
3. Bona Fide Claim of Right
4. Mistake of fact and mistake of law
5. Automatism
6. Infancy and age of criminal responsibility
7. Accident
8. Provocation • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
9 General Defenses Continued 9. Self-defense and defense of others
10. Defense of property
11. Necessity
12. Diminished responsibility
13. Compulsion
14. Marital coercion
15. Acts independent of the will
16. Alibi
17. Reasonable precautions and Due Diligence
18. Consent • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
10 CAT II CAT II Sit-in Examination • Written Test
11 Inchoate Offences 1. Meaning and rationale of inchoate offences
2. Attempt
3. Solicitation, Incitement & Procuration
4. Failing to Prevent a Felony
Conspiracy • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
12 Offences Against the Person 1. Offences causing bodily harm
o Murder and manslaughter
✓ Assault and related offences
o Offences of Murder
Infanticide
Concealing Birth
Killing an Unborn Child
Attempted Murder
2. Non- Fatal Offences Against Persons
I. Wounding
II. Grievous Harm
III. Assault (Aggravated Assault)
IV. Battery
3. Offences Against Morality
Sexual Offences
Unnatural Offences
• Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
13 Offences Against Property 1. Theft, Stealing and related offences
2. Robbery and robbery with violence
3. Handling stolen property
4. Obtaining by false pretences
5. Fraud and cheating-related offences
6. Forgery, Counterfeiting and related Offences • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
14 Offences Against Public Order 1. Insubordination & Disobedience
2. Desertion
3. Administration of Unlawful Oaths
4. Alarming Publications
5. Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships
7. Unlawful Assembly • Lectures
• Group Discussion
• Library Assignments
• Case Studies
15 Revision and Application of Criminal Law ✓ Revision of key principles
✓ Statutory interpretation in cases
✓ Case analysis & legal reasoning
✓ Review of major offences and defenses
✓ Preparation for end-of-semester examination • Revision Lecture
• Group Discussion
• Student Presentations
• Case Studies
can u create extensi notes for me
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