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CSS152Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Nigeria Criminal Law

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Nigerian Criminal Law. It explores the sources of Nigerian Criminal Law, the definition of crime, and the essential elements of an offence. The course also covers the classification of offences, including felonies, misdemeanors, and simple offences, and delves into specific crimes such as homicide, stealing, and obtaining by false pretences. It further examines the roles and responsibilities of parties to an offence and the administration of criminal justice.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Criminal LawNigerian LawOffencesHomicideStealing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Sources of Nigerian Criminal Law

2

Definition of Crime

3

Elements of an Offence

4

Classification of Offences

5

Homicide

6

Parties to an Offence

7

Stealing

8

Obtaining by False Pretence

9

Receiving Stolen Goods

10

Burglary and House Breaking

11

Treason

12

Rape

13

Theories of Punishment

14

Principles of Sentencing

15

The Police and Criminal Justice

Total Topics15 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Police Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Lawyer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Judge

Apply your skills in this growing field

Criminologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Security Personnel

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law EnforcementJudiciaryLegal PracticeSecurity ServicesCorrectional Services

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: History and Sources of Nigerian Criminal Law

3 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to Nigerian Criminal Law.
  • •Identify the sources of Nigerian Criminal Law.
  • •Understand the purpose of Criminal Law.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: The Definition of Crime

3 study hours
  • •Define crime from juristic, judicial, and statutory perspectives.
  • •Distinguish crime from sin and immorality.
  • •Analyze the elements of crime.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Elements of an Offence

3 study hours
  • •Understand the physical and mental elements of an offence.
  • •Examine the concurrence of physical and mental elements.
  • •Explore exceptions to the concurrence principle.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Classification of Offences

3 study hours
  • •Classify offences into felonies, misdemeanors, and simple offences.
  • •Explain the principle of no liability without fault.
  • •Identify the sources of the principle.
Week
5

Module 1:

3h

Unit 5: Homicide (General Aspects)

3 study hours
  • •Define homicide and its general aspects.
  • •Understand the physical element of homicide.
  • •Analyze the issue of causation in homicide cases.
Week
6

Module 1:

3h

Unit 6: Parties to an Offence

3 study hours
  • •Identify the different parties to an offence.
  • •Distinguish between principal offenders and accessories.
  • •Understand the liability of an accessory after the fact.
Week
7

Module 1:

3h

Unit 7: Stealing

3 study hours
  • •Define stealing and its elements.
  • •Understand the concepts of taking and converting.
  • •Identify the specific intents in stealing.
Week
8

Module 1:

3h

Unit 8: Obtaining by False Pretence

3 study hours
  • •Define obtaining by false pretences.
  • •Understand the elements of obtaining.
  • •Analyze the concept of pretence and its falsity.
Week
9

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Receiving Stolen Goods

3 study hours
  • •Define receiving stolen goods and its elements.
  • •Understand the concept of receiving dishonestly.
  • •Analyze the element of guilty knowledge.
Week
10

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Burglary and House Breaking

3 study hours
  • •Define burglary and house breaking.
  • •Understand the elements of breaking and entering.
  • •Analyze the intent required for these offences.
Week
11

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Treason

3 study hours
  • •Define treason and its elements.
  • •Understand the concept of levying war.
  • •Analyze the concept of treasonable felonies.
Week
12

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: The Offence of Rape

3 study hours
  • •Define the offence of rape and its elements.
  • •Understand the concepts of carnal knowledge and consent.
  • •Analyze the mental elements required for the offence.
Week
13

Module 2:

6h

Unit 5: Theories and Types of Punishment

3 study hours
  • •Examine the theories and types of punishment.
  • •Understand the principles of retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation.
  • •Analyze the general principles of sentencing.

Unit 7: The Police and the Administration of Criminal Justice

3 study hours
  • •Understand the role of the police in the administration of criminal justice.
  • •Analyze the powers and duties of the police.
  • •Examine the procedures for arrest, search, and bail.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key definitions and elements of offences.

2

Create flashcards for important legal terms and concepts.

3

Practice applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios.

4

Pay close attention to case studies and examples provided in the course materials.

5

Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback.

6

Allocate sufficient time for revision and exam preparation.

7

Focus on understanding the distinctions between different types of offences.

8

Practice answering past exam questions to improve time management and exam technique.

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