Criminal Law studies the official regulations and laws that define crime and determine how suspects are detained, judged, and punished if found guilty. Criminal Law examines penalties applicable to all types of behaviour that’s threatening, harmful, or dangerous for someone’s health, safety, property, or general wellbeing.
Examples of crimes include theft, assault, robbery, blackmailing, human trafficking, selling illegal substances, murder, or treason. The purpose of Criminal Law is to maintain order in society by confining lawbreakers and prevent them from violating the rights of other citizens.
Criminal Law is a more common discipline at postgraduate or Master’s level, and many universities offer it together with Criminal Justice, under the title of “Criminal Law and Criminal Justice”.
A typical Criminal Law curriculum includes subjects like Legal Research Methods, Contract Law, Tort Law, European Union (EU) Rights, Ethics, International Law, Criminal Evidence and Proof, Global Crime Problems, Transnational Criminal Law, etc.
Criminal Law and penal codes are different from one nation to another. Keep that in mind if you plan to study abroad and return home, or if you intend to practise law in a different country.
Careers in Criminal Law include criminalist and criminologist, public interest lawyer, judge and magistrate, forensic psychologist, fraud investigator, detective, probation officer, or crime laboratory analyst. Professional practice in various work places such as law firms, private business, government, and public interest organisations.
Read moreView all PhDs in Criminal Law. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Criminal Law.