Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
T/616/8411
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
48 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know how criminal law has evolved.

  • Evolution of law includes: custom and practice, religious influences, standards of behaviour, definitions
  • Outcomes of previous cases include: precedent, decisions made, impact of media, legal interpretation.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Describe the evolution of criminal law from common law to present day legislation.
  • 1.2
    Outline how the outcomes of previous cases (defined and stated) influence current practice in trying cases.

2

Know about police powers as set out in legislation.

  • Powers of police could include: stop, search, arrest, identification, investigation
  • Codes of practice could include: cautioning, record keeping, rights, bail.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Describe the powers available to the police to deal with suspects.
  • 2.2
    Outline the codes of practice which govern police powers, including any published amendments.

3

Know about rights of suspects as set out in legislation.

Rights could include: grounds for arrest, cautions, tape of video recording, access to solicitor, access to adult, welfare including food and drink, telephone calls, visitors.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Describe the legal rights of a person at the time of arrest, while in police custody, before and after charge.

4

Know how the police and Crown Prosecution Service establish that an offence has been committed and build a case for prosecution.

  • Criteria to determine an offence include: laid down in law
  • Process for building a case include:evidence collection and presentation, witness statements, prove beyond all reasonable doubt.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Outline the criteria used to determine that an offence has been committed and that there are grounds for prosecution.
  • 4.2
    Describe the process by which a case is built.

5

Understand the role of key people and main processes in a trial.

Key processes include: public and closed hearings, roles of key personal, evidence and witnesses, oaths, questioning, cross examination, juries, courts legal advisors, defence and prosecution.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1
    Explain the role of
    • the prosecutor
    • the defence
    • witnesses
    • the judge and jury
    • magistrates and their advisers.
  • 5.2
    Outline the key processes of a trial.