Criminal Law 370-PS5-4ERABN
Konwersatorium (KON) Rok akademicki 2023/24

Note: Basic information about the item (independent of the cycle)

KNOWLEDGE, graduate:

- has in-depth knowledge of the principles and institutions of criminal law, civil law, administrative law, constitutional law, and judicial and administrative procedures - KA7_WG3; method of verification: final PowerPoint presentation, e-learning assignments, class activity;

- knows and understands the terminology specific to the various disciplines of law - KA7_WK3; method of verification: final PowerPoint presentation, e-learning assignments, class activity;

SKILLS, the graduate:

- is able to correctly interpret and explain the meanings of specific legal norms and mutual relations between these norms within a specific field of law - KA7_UW1; method of verification: final PowerPoint presentation, e-learning assignments, class activity;

- moves efficiently in the system of Polish law, uses the norms of individual fields of law to independently solve specific problems; depending on his/her own interests (selected subjects of specialization), he/she has expanded skills to solve complex practical problems within a specific field of law - KA7_UO1; method of verification: final PowerPoint presentation, e-learning assignments, class activity;

SOCIAL COMPETENCES, the graduate:

- is able to independently and critically supplement knowledge and skills, extended by the interdisciplinary dimension - KA7_KK2; method of verification: final PowerPoint presentation, e-learning assignments, class activity;

Grade scale from 2 to 5:

5 --> A (at least 91%)

4.5 --> B (at least 81%)

4 --> C (at least 71%)

3.5 --> D (at least 61%)

3 --> E (at least 51%)

2 --> F (below 51%)

Final grade components:

- A written comparative criminal law analysis on a topic given by the teacher and, optionally, presenting the summary in the class. The purpose of the written paper and ots oral presentation is to present and discuss different legal approaches to criminalizing selected behaviors across various countries, encouraging comparative reflection and exchange of perspectives.

- Completion of tasks from asynchronous classes shared online by the teacher is mandatory. Not completing the tasks (at least 80%) results in decreasing the final grade by 0.5 grade. The tasks will be shared via an online platform https://eduportal.uwb.edu.pl/ or via email.

- Class active participation may increase the final grade by a 0.5 mark.

- Attendance – In-person attendance is mandatory. Each missed class must be made up during office hours or by completing an additional task assigned by the teacher. Failure to make up a missed class lowers the final grade by 0.5 point per class. Students must inform the teacher in advance about planned absences if possible.

Depending on the regulations, the final examination may be conducted using electronic means of communication.

Final Assignment Instructions:

1. Choose one offence from the list provided by the teacher.

2. Identify and briefly describe the relevant criminal law provisions that penalize this offence in Polish law and in the criminal law of your home country.

3. Write a comparative dogmatic analysis of these legal regulations. Your paper should discuss key similarities and differences in:

– the protected legal interest (object of protection),

– the subject of the offence (offender eligibility),

– the objective and subjective elements of the offence (actus reus / mens rea),

– penalties and their proportionality,

– and, if relevant, significant case law or doctrinal interpretations.

Formal requirements:

Use academic sources, such as legal acts, commentaries, textbooks, monographs, and scholarly articles.

Your paper must include citations and a bibliography (any recognized citation style is acceptable, e.g., APA, OSCOLA, or Chicago).

Submit your work in written form; you may also present a short oral summary (up to 5 minutes) during class. This presentation is not mandatory and can increase your final grade by 0.5–1 point.

The written paper is the main basis for your final grade.

Recommended length: approximately 2,000–2,500 words (±10%). Papers shorter than 1,800 words or longer than 2,800 words may be penalized.

The topics covered in classes:

Introduction to Polish criminal law;

Principles of criminal liability

Criminal Code and its enforcement

Definition of an offence

Circumstances which exclude criminal liability

Forms of criminal activities

Sanctions in Polish criminal code – introduction

The catalogue of penalties

The catalogue of penal measures

Institutions connected with the period of probation

Principles of imposing penalties and penal measures

Other institutions within criminal code

Selected types of offences In Polish Criminal Code

Comparative criminal law

The lecture, multimedia presentation, brainstorming, working in groups, discussions and consultations will be used during the classes.