Modules and descriptions

» Comparative Criminal Justice

The study of diverse criminal justice systems and their agencies of social control has taken on an essential role in establishing which policing, deterrents and correction methods are most effective. This module presents a comprehensive analysis of how various criminal justice systems throughout the world and compares and contrasts effective methods with those proven as less than adequate. By using a topical approach (examining various aspects of each system, such as policing, drugs,  and sentencing, the module gives you a realistic understanding of the similarities and differences of various systems throughout the world by providing specific examples and explores historical, political, economic, social, and cultural influences on each system.

The module reveals the differences in the roles of criminal justice actors and ways of handling crime problems. There is also discussion of such key issues as how we can learn from other jurisdictions, compare 'like with like', and balance explanation with understanding - for example, in making sense of national differences in crime and conviction rates. Careful attention is given to the question of how far globalisation challenges traditional ways of comparing countries.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the approach taken by different countries towards criminal justice.

2. Critically analyse sentencing and penal regimes taken by different countries.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Measuring and comparing crime in and across nations
• Prosecution and pre-trial justice
• Systems of trial
• Sentencing; International and transnational criminal justice
• Understanding global trends in criminal justice.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Comparative Policing

The module offers perspectives providing global coverage of the increasingly transnational nature of crime and the attempts to provide cooperative cross-national responses. It also provides specific examples such as international terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering to illustrate this ever expanding phenomenon.

You will examine cross-national and international efforts by police to deal with transnational crime, also incorporating the changes that have occurred in crime and policing during the first years of the 21st century.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the approach taken by different countries towards policing crime.

2. Critically analyse police responses to organised crime.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Measuring and comparing crime in and across nations
• The Social and Historical Contexts of Policing 
• The Changing Styles of Policing 
• Ethical Concerns for Modern Policing Strategies 
• Ethics, Discipline, and the Behaviour of Individual Police Officers 
• Control, Independence and Accountability in Policing 
• Policing in the 21st Century
• Transnational Organised Crime; Drug Trafficking
• Comparing Police Cultures
• Understanding Global Trends in Policing.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Computer Crime in the Courtroom

This module explores the body of rules regulating the means by which facts may be proved in a court of law. The obtaining of evidence by the police, the court process and roles of judge, jury and witnesses will be examined.

You will study both rules relating to the admissibility of evidence, and the extent to which exceptions to exclusionary rules exist.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of court procedures and the roles of individuals involved, both in the obtaining of evidence and its introduction into the court process.

2. Consider and ascertain the reasoning behind the rules applicable in determining evidence which can be admissible in court and analyse the effectiveness of exclusionary rules.

Indicative content / areas of study

• The role of judge and jury in relation to court procedure
• Examination in chief, cross examination and re-examination
• Police conduct in obtaining evidence and role in the justice system
• Identification evidence
• Character evidence and similar fact evidence
• The hearsay rule, res gestae and other exceptions
• Opinion evidence.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Construction Contracts and Dispute Resolution

Construction law involves the dynamic construction sector of the economy that relies on interconnected contractual relationships to carry out the complexity of modern building. It involves the trading of labour, plant, materials, and services, under a variety of contract arrangements.

At present the construction markets' supply resources are stretched to meet the demand for building but the sectors in-built competitiveness and predisposition to contractual claims presents students with the opportunity to view contract law grappling with the difficulties posed by this commercial environment. Law is a commercial tool in achieving economic objectives. It is essential you understand how the law shapes even the structure of the industry and how it facilitates resolution and avoidance of disputes.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Evaluate and analyse key principles associated with construction contracts.

2. Relate the formation of construction contracts with the legal context and explore the relationship between law and business.

Indicative content / areas of study

• The nature of construction contracts and its economic context
• The use of standard building forms and the principals of contract
• The contentious issues of money, resources, and time
• Strategies on  procuring construction works and avoidance of risk
• Disputes and their causes
• Methods of resolving conflict adopted in the industry.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Corporate Governance

Developments in practice and controls on directors of public companies are monitored to assess the level of change from the longstanding position. The respective importance attributed to corporate governance in States of the European Union is considered in depth. The international picture is considered with emphasis on developments and their influences on other jurisdictions. The extent of positive direction given and levels of implementation will be considered. The range of corporate governance application is investigated with consideration of its application to the private company and those involved with company activity other than directors. This will include consideration of shareholders, stakeholders generally, auditors and the company secretary.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of developments aimed to serve the needs of corporate governance and their scope in application.

2. Analyse the respective importance attributed to corporate governance and levels of implementation in different jurisdictions.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Original sources of corporate governance
• Application of company law
• Developments and level of uniformity within the European Union
• Application within public and private companies
• Global developments and influences
• Types of directors
• Internal corporate procedures.

Lecture times

Tuesday: 9am - 11am.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» Ethical, Moral and Social Issues in Forensic Computing

The preservation and presentation of forensic evidence is studied in an almost context-free manner elsewhere on this course. However, surveillance technology is ubiquitous in modern British life and being a forensic computer expert does not free the practitioner from considering questions of its use and abuse. A second and equally important aspect of work in this area relates to mental health and psychological robustness of practitioners who may be faced with accessing and cataloguing extreme materials. The professional standards that computer forensics specialists are expected to maintain must rest on an understanding and acceptance of societal definitions of ethical and moral standards.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Analyse and evaluate the ethical challenges which may be present in their day to day work.

2. Apply evaluative analysis to a major case study example.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Professional bodies, their expectations and regulations
• Hacking, "ethical hacking"
• The surveillance society. RIPA law. Terrorism and public responses
• Identity card schemes, Identity theft, social engineering
• The internet and ethics - legal and boundary issues, regulation and role of government agencies
• Free speech in cyberspace, pornography, protection of minors
• On-line gaming. Is it OK to kill in cyberspace? Acceptable behaviour in Second Life
• Democratic values and the internet
• Should society have a role in regulating the internet?
• Business and commercial ethics in cyberspace
• Psychological wellbeing of forensic practitioners. NLP and coaching approaches to dealing with stress.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Hi-Tech Crime

This module explores the history and realities of high tech or cyber crime in today's society. It critically examines the question of whether widespread practices should be treated as computer crime or computer misuse. Legislation and case law strives to keep pace with a rapidly evolving medium. It considers, in depth, the nature and forms of high tech crime, and takes a strategic overview of issues of jurisdiction and policing of not only the crimes but of the internet itself.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature of crimes and unlawful activity that are the subject of criminal investigation and awareness of the legislation that high tech crimes are subject to.

2. Critique case law demonstrating a critical awareness of the effect of cybercrime on society from legislative and jurisprudential perspectives.

3. Demonstrate engagement with PDP.

Indicative content / areas of study

• History and context
• The English legal system
• Forms of high tech crimes
• The roles of computers in crime
• Technology and law
• Digital evidence
• Investigating computer intrusions
• Handling the digital crime scene
• Policing the internet
• Jurisdiction
• Internet law and regulation
• Cybercrime and terrorism.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Independent Study

Learning outcomes
Indicative content / areas of study
Lecture times

» Information and Communication Technology Law

This module explores law and procedure applicable to the control and operation of the Internet, communication systems and other interactive technologies. Although the study will focus on the United Kingdom in its European setting the nature of cyberspace is such that it does not recognise national boundaries, so other national (particularly the US) and international jurisdictions will be included where appropriate.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Apply legal principles to the operation of the Internet, communication systems and other interactive technologies.

2. Evaluate the appropriateness and adequacy of existing laws and procedures.

Indicative content / areas of study

• The internet, law and society
• The role of government in national and international administration of the internet and communications systems
• Legislative control of the Internet and communications systems
• Domain name ownership and disputes
• Use of ICT for commercial activity:
  provision of goods and services
  banking and finance
  entertainment
• Jurisdiction, enforcement and dispute resolution
• Defamatory, obscene and harassing material.

Lecture times

Tuesday: 1pm - 3pm.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» Information Technology Crime and Misuse

This module examines crimes which are specific to the use of information technology, but also crimes of a general nature and other unlawful behaviour in which use, or misuse, of information technology plays a part. 

It aims to identify and explore the behaviour which those monitoring or examining IT for forensic or security purposes are attempting to discover.  UK and EU law will be examined, but international legislation may also be relevant.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will:

1. Know and understand the nature of crimes and other unlawful activity which are the subject of security and forensic activity; and

2. Have a critical awareness of the constituent elements of such crimes and the technological means utilised in their commission.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Viruses, worms, trojan horses, hacking, spamming, phishing etc and their legal implications
• Fraud involving computer technology
• Use of the computer in: terrorism; grooming; rape; murder/suicide; drugs; graffiti; government/commercial espionage; theft; kidnap/missing persons; corruption; assault; arson; firearms; illegal immigration/human trafficking; perverting the course of duty
• Computer Misuse Act
• Pornographic and other obscenity offences
• Offences of a fraudulent nature; identity theft
• Harassment offences.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» International Banking and Finance Law

The module will examine the contextual applications of the laws applicable to financial regulation and banking within a global context. In turn it will examine the economic and political consequences of these laws to determine the extent to which the current global banking and financial regulatory system contributed to the current recession, and the extent to which this current financial system requires remedial action.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Evaluate the applicable law on international financial regulation and banking.

2. Critically assess the current structure of the global financial system.

3. Develop subjective opinions to remedy and fortify the current global financial system.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Principles of banking law
• International regulations of banks
• Financial regulation of lending
• Banking products: Derivatives and mortgages.

Lecture times

Tuesday: 11am - 1pm.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» International Commercial Arbitration

This module will examine both national and international commercial arbitration. It focuses on the rules which govern arbitration agreements, arbitral tribunal, arbitral proceedings and arbitral awards. In addition to providing an overview of the arbitral process, the module also focuses on the New York Convention, the Uncitral Model Law as well as national arbitration law.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Discuss coherently the meaning and philosophy of dispute resolution and its different types - arbitration, mediation, conciliation, expert determination, negotiation, litigation;

2. Evaluate the fundamental rules of arbitration law with reference to the relevant legislation and case law and its international perspective; and

3. Critically analyse the impact of arbitration law on dispute resolution mechanisms and how these operate in a business, commercial and social context.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Existing dispute resolution mechanisms
• Comparing and contrasting negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration as a means of resolving disputes. Focus on the distinctive features of arbitration. 
• Legislative framework - UK Arbitration Act 1996.
• Arbitration. Defining arbitration. Agreement to refer to existing or future disputes to arbitration. Arbitration clauses in standard form contracts. 
• Role of the Arbitrator. Appointment of arbitrators. Qualifications of an arbitrator. The rights and duties of the arbitrator. The course of an arbitral reference. Removing an arbitrator. 
• Awards - Types of awards. Form and content of awards. Enforcement of an award.
• The Courts and Arbitration
• Role of the High Court. Stay on legal proceedings. Court challenges to the decisions and awards of an arbitrator. 
• International Arbitration
• Arbitration (International Commercial) Act, 1998 and UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration.

Lecture times

Tuesday: 3pm - 5pm.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» International Economic Law and Development

The module will explore the legal framework of international economic relations with particular emphasis on international trade, international monetary law and international development law.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Analyse and explain the nature and context of international economic law.

2. Critically evaluate the various components of international economic law.

3. Assess the role of trade, monetary policies and development on the growth of the economy of the State.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Historical development of International Economic Law
• Structure and role of WTO/GATT
• International dispute resolution under WTO
• International monetary law and the role of IMF and the World Bank
• Role and function of development law.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Public International Law and World Society

International law describes a collection of norms established by states to regulate relations between them. This module aims to explore the historical development and contemporary application of these legal rules from both the theoretical and substantive view. It is primarily concerned with those customary and treaty rules governing relations between states, although it has increasing significance for the individual as evidenced by the rapid development of international human rights law. This module will give you a thorough grounding in the general principles of public international law.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Research and critically analyse the historical roots, development and basic conceptions of international law through adopting a comparative approach to classical and modern legal texts and applying a knowledge of primary sources;

2. Analyse and respond critically and creatively to the problems of applying basic international law concepts to contemporary international society.

Indicative content / areas of study

• The development of international law
• The sources of international law
• The law of treaties
• The relationship between international law and national law
• Statehood, personality and recognition
• Sovereignty over territory
• Jurisdictional sovereignty
• Immunity from national jurisdiction
• Regulation of the use of armed force.

Lecture times

Wednesday: 12noon - 2pm.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» Investigation and Prosecution of Human Trafficking

This module addresses through a case-study approach the forensic, evidential, investigatory and legal issues relating to a growing global problem, with a significant local impact in the developing and developed world. Immigration and sex crimes are strongly linked to this area of criminality which poses unique problems for law enforcement agencies, but which also exemplifies critical issues in the handling of humans and human evidence in the investigation of transnational crime.

What are the roles of organised crime and transnational crime in illicit trafficking?
Does immigration foster illicit trafficking?
What is the relationship of the volume of illicit trafficking to globalisation?
What is the relationship of the growth of global finance to illicit trafficking?
How do worldwide communication technologies affect illicit trafficking?
What are the defining characteristics of transnational crime groups?
What are the relationships among governments, social structure, and organised crime?
Do ethnic conflicts and state dissolution facilitate illicit trafficking?
Do political instability and military conflict contribute to criminal activities?
What are the trends among transnational crime groups?
Can law enforcement operate effectively in a global environment?
How is transnational organised crime and illicit trafficking related?

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical and reflective view of the theoretical and practical challenges associated with human trafficking; and

2. Have a critical appreciation of the context, including human rights, ethical and moral issues relating to human trafficking offences.

Indicative content / areas of study

• The definition of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (in particular definitions in the United Nations instruments, particularly the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its supplementary Trafficking in Persons Protocol.) 
• Indicators of trafficking in persons
• Psychological reaction of victims of trafficking in persons
• Control methods in trafficking in persons
• Risk assessment in trafficking in persons investigations
• International cooperation in trafficking in persons cases
• Crime scene and physical evidence examinations in trafficking in persons investigations
• Interviewing victims of trafficking in persons who are potential witnesses
• Interviewing child victims of trafficking in persons
• Interpreters in trafficking in persons investigations
• Victims' needs in criminal justice proceedings in trafficking in persons cases
• Protection and assistance to victims-witnesses in trafficking in persons cases
• Compensation for victims of trafficking in persons
• Considerations in sentencing in trafficking in persons cases
• Case studies including:
  Sex trade
  Immigration
  Camel Racers
  Child soldiers.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Investigation of Crime 1

Criminal investigation has attracted widespread interest. Within the police and other law enforcement agencies it has been a rapidly developing field. Important scientific and technological developments have had a considerable impact on practice and the investigative doctrine, and important steps have been taken in the direction of professionalising the whole process of investigation.

This module focuses on how investigation practitioners carry out investigations with particular focus upon intelligence and evidence gathering, data sharing with official partners and working with the community. It looks systematically at the:

• purpose and role of criminal investigation;
• legal, policy and organisational context in which criminal investigation takes place;
• evidence, intelligence and information that criminal investigators seek;
• process and methods of criminal investigation;
• knowledge, techniques and decision making abilities that practitioners require to carry out criminal investigations
• supervision of criminal investigations also reviewing some of the key contemporary issues that have a bearing on criminal investigation.
• relationships with analysts and the various models of crime and risk analysis.

The module also includes perspectives from police partner agencies such as local authorities, voluntary agencies and policy research units. It also examines the challenges of intelligence gathering from individuals, groups and communities, particularly focusing on those who can be hard to reach.

Coverage is also given of a detailed explanation of how the National Intelligence Model works and how it can be applied effectively to suit operational needs. The emphasis on intelligence for the purposes of policing has been expressed theoretically in 'intelligence-led policing'; a mantra repeated by both politicians and senior police officers and suggesting that intelligence is the universal panacea for all ills - from national security to creating safer neighbourhoods. The module examines this matter exploring both the potential sophistication of intelligence and the challenges of its implementation that practitioners encounter daily.

This module also seeks to address these complexities through its discussion of how intelligence has been conceptualised and developed into practical products for the purposes of policing as undertaken not only by the police, but also by partner agencies and other providers.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of investigatory theory within an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective.

2. Develop advanced skills in critical analysis, research and application of intelligence and evidence gathering.

3. Demonstrate an analysis of the challenges to law enforcement  provided through various forms of partnership working.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Investigation theory
• The management of intelligence
• Working with analysts and their products
• Intelligence and partnership 
• Crime control and community safety
• Development of investigative practice
• Investigation techniques
• The management and supervision of criminal investigation
• History of criminal investigation 
• Social context of criminal investigation
• Psychology and criminal investigation 
• Law and criminal investigation
• Criminal investigation and the media
• Criminal intelligence and the National Intelligence Model 
• The investigation of high-volume crime 
• Investigation and major crime inquiries
• Principles of forensic identification science
• Forensic investigation in the UK
• Trace biometrics and criminal investigations
• The application of forensic science to criminal investigation 
• Covert surveillance and informer handling
• Profiling suspects and places
• Crime Linkage
• Policing of critical incidents.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Investigation of Crime 2

Law enforcement professionals and the police in particular, have made rapid strides towards professionalising the criminal investigation process and improving police performance.

A number of important reports have been published in the last few years, highlighting the importance of the criminal investigation process not only to the work of the police but to public confidence in this. Each of these reports has identified shortcomings in the way criminal investigations have been conducted, and has made recommendations for improvement. 

This module provides a rigorous and critical approach to not only the process of criminal investigation but also the context in which this takes place, the theory underlying it, and the variety of factors which influence approaches to it. The module continues by deciphering the key investigative process and practice, such as the generation of hypotheses, as opposed to a originating and maintaining a single hypothesis during the investigation as well as coverage of the human and organisational  processes that influence decision making in either critical incidents or investigations.

The module further provides

• a critical examination of investigative practice by focusing on the key issues and debates underpinned by academic literature on crime investigation.
• theoretical explanations that provide an understanding of crime investigation and the context in which investigators operate.
• illustrates the practical relevance of theoretical contributions to crime investigation.
• places clear emphasis on the multi-disciplinary nature of crime investigation.

The module particularly examines the interviewing of victims, witnesses, complainants and suspects consistently reported by investigation professionals as the key skill of the investigator. It takes a holistic approach to the process by also including themes concerning eyewitness identification and evaluating truthfulness.

The module also covers other areas of interest to practitioners and academics including the continuing calls for the use of torture, whether it is possible to detect deception and the contribution of investigative interviewing methods to concepts of therapeutic and restorative justice.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of investigatory practice within an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective.

2. Develop advanced skills in critical analysis, research and application in professional investigative practice.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Theories of criminal investigation
• Reasoning and decision making
• Assessing and evaluating investigation performance
• Criminal investigation in context
• Law and criminal investigation
• Investigative interviewing of children and vulnerable adults
• Interviewing suspects of serious crime.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Law of International Trade

The module will examine the economic and jurisprudential justification for engaging in free trade. In this context the course will critically explore the salient components of the multilateral trading system.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Evaluate relevant theories of trade.

2. Critically assess the current structure of the international trading system.

3. Develop subjective opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of multilateral trading.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Competing theories of international trade
• International economic law and development
• GATT/WTO agreements and dispute resolution
• IMF and World Bank.

Lecture times

Tuesday: 5pm - 7pm.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» National and International Sale of Goods

The module will examine the sequence of contracts engaged in the sale and movement of goods at national and international levels. The legal consequences of engagement in these contracts will be examined co-extensively. In this capacity the module will additionally examine the finance and payment methods utilised for the sale of goods at both national and international levels.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module you will be able to:

1. Articulate the laws regulating both the national and international sale of goods.

2. Critically enunciate the form and characteristics of contracts applicable to the sale of goods.

3. Assess the payment and financing methods for the sale of goods at both national and international levels.

4. Devise a business plan articulating the legal and financial consequences of engaging in the sale of goods at both national and international levels.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Law applicable to national sale of goods.
• Law and conventions applicable to international sale of goods.
• Agency, distribution contracts, licences, franchises, contracts of carriage, product liability money, negotiable instruments, cheques and payment orders, bills of exchange, secured and unsecured credit financing, bills of lading, documentary sales.

Lecture times

Thursday: 2pm - 4pm.

Times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» Public Procurement Law

The public sector influences commerce and the economy, particularly through the strategic use of its purchasing power in relation to goods, services and intellectual property. Public procurement law provides an insight into modern purchasing methods, the public sector psyche and the influence of EC competition and social policy. Innovations such as e-procurement are influencing practice as much as legal change. This module aims to develop a strategic appreciation of "difficult" and changing legal areas for those involved in procurement in public sector organisations. It aims to draw upon the expertise and best practice of practitioners to raise a common understanding of potential solutions to current and future legal problems in practice. Students will address the latest developments in procurement and commercial law as they apply to Public Bodies, including those arising from changes to policy and will explore the implications of new remedies derived from courts and legislation.

The specific issues relating to intellectual property law principles that apply to the range of procurement functions of the Environment Agency will be a particular area of focus. The importance of intellectual property rights and responsibilities in the contract formation process and their impact on the effect performance of contracts and the Agency's general effectiveness will be critically examined. Potential and imperatives behind effective IP management, control and exploitation are considered within the context of the development of the knowledge economy. Construction of legal agreements, including understanding the meaning and function of terms in standard Environment Agency and public sector contracts and the effect of licensing and transfer of rights is a particular area of importance.

An emphasis in this module is on the role of public procurement in promoting sustainability, focusing on the Environment Agency as a case study on practice, problems and policy.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a strategic approach to using public procurement law principles to model and analyse a range of complex transactions; and

2. Critically analyse the latest legal developments relevant to the public procurement frameworks in the context of economic and social policy and business efficiency with a view to application in a practical context.

Indicative content / areas of study

Framework Agreements

• McLaughlin and Harvey Limited v Department of Finance and Personnel and Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Limited and Scott & Ewing (t/a Woodvale Construction Co Limited) v Department of Education for Northern Ireland: recent developments in law relating to framework agreements
• MEAT, pricing and appointment to frameworks
    Setting aside a framework

Re-negotiation

• Lettings International, McLaughlin and Harvey: disclosure of evaluation criteria
• Lianakis: the award stage
• Objectivity, certainty, variation clauses and making good mistakes
• Re-negotiating after the award (including changes in the financial climate)
• Pressetext : what can be changed without re-tender?

Latest developments, e.g.

• Social and environmental factors in purchasing (an update)
• The Public Procurement Remedies Directive and its implementation in UK Law Teckal and what constitutes "in-house." The implications of the Court of Appeal decision in Risk Management Partners v London Borough of Brent

The extent of IP rights in contracting

• Licensing
• Exploitation
• Transfer, and 
• Protection

IP Law and Public Policy

• Protecting the IP needs of the government
• Encouraging innovation

Obligations of contracting partners 

• Identifying of IP potential
• Protecting and management of  IP
• Effective commercial exploitation by business partners
• Publication of IP - Freedom of Information etc

Contracting for effective IP management

• IP performance monitoring
• Pooling IP management resources
• Revenue sharing and innovation
• IP and the procurement chain.

Incentivising staff to generate IP/Civil Service Code

Lecture times

To be confirmed.

» Transnational Organised Crime

Increasing globalisation of economies and the resulting facilitation of international trade, accompanied by the rapid development in the use of modern technologies, has led to increased opportunities for criminals to engage on cross-border crime. Transnational organised crime has become a threat to national and international security and stability and so demands international framework of accountability and enforcement through the criminal law. This module seeks to explore the origins development of transnational organised crime, and to consider the role of international law in the criminalisation of transnational organised crime, and in promoting international cooperation in prevention of transnational crime.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate and critically analyse of the concepts, models and theoretical frameworks pertaining to transnational organised crime and their social and economic impact.

2. To research and analyse an aspect of transnational crime with reference to national and international measures and responses to reduction and control.

Indicative content / areas of study

The module will consider the historical development of and theoretical perspectives of the nature of transnational organised crime, in particular in defining the threats posed by such activity. In particular it will consider, but is no limited to consideration of a variety of criminal activities such as fraud, human trafficking, terrorism, money laundering, drugs trafficking, and relevant international instruments that seek both to harmonise national laws in these spheres and promote international co-operation to combat transnational organised crime through mutual legal assistance and international cooperation.

Lecture times

Monday: 9am - 12noon.

These times are subject to final confirmation and enrolment in January.

» Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

The treatment of vulnerable victims and witnesses is an area which has seen great change over the past 20 years. The module is structured to follow the chronology of an investigation from the first steps of identifying a vulnerable victim and witness through to trial and includes case studies with examples outlining potential pitfalls during the investigation and possible solutions. The module covers key topics such as identifying vulnerable victims and witnesses, protection of vulnerable groups throughout the criminal justice process, pre-interview contact, assessing competence, multi-agency working, interviewing and pre-trial preparation. The treatment of vulnerable victims and witnesses by police investigators and others involved in the criminal justice system is likely to come under increased scrutiny in the future with the Victims' Code of Practice and the Witness Charter. This module considers the many changes and new documentation in the area including the Victims and Witnesses' Commission, the revised edition of 'Achieving Best Evidence' and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice. Crimes such as sexual offences and hate crimes are particularly covered in this module.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical analysis of the theoretical underpinnings relating to the causes and nature of being a victim of crime.

2. Critically analyse and evaluate the approach taken by the criminal justice system towards vulnerable victims and witnesses.

3. Critically analyse and evaluate the skills and knowledge required when undertaking interviews with vulnerable victims and witnesses.

Indicative content / areas of study

• Identifying intimidated and vulnerable victims and  witnesses;
• Offences commonly experienced by vulnerable witnesses
• Human Trafficking
• Multi-agency working
• Special Measures.
• Issues concerning consent in sexual offences
• Competence and compellability
• Victim and Witness Interview Strategies
• On-going contact
• Pre-trial preparation.

Lecture times

To be confirmed.