Criminal Law and Procedure

Program Overview

The last 25 years have marked a period of revolutionary change within criminal law. This practice area seems to be growing ever more pervasive, with the proliferation of new crimes and quasi-criminal regulatory offences: corruption, enterprise and transnational crime, and global terrorism are blurring the distinctions drawn by national borders and between criminal law, corporate/regulatory law and matters of national security. This immensely popular and rigorous two year, part-time program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore the pressing and challenging issues affecting the Canadian criminal justice system. Students will examine the historical roots of the institutions and practices to current social science and doctrinal approaches to them.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements will be satisfied upon the completion of 36 credits. There are two options for completing this degree:

Option I: Coursework and Major Research Paper [36 credits]

• The required courses for Criminal Law and Procedure [18 credits];
• 12 additional credits of coursework, at least 6 of which must be courses from the Criminal Law and Procedure-related electives;
• A Major Research Paper (70 pages) in the Criminal Law and Procedure field [6 credits]; and
• Advanced Legal Research Workshop. Please note that this will not count towards the 36 credits required to complete the degree.

Option II: Coursework Only [36 credits]

• The required courses for Criminal Law and Procedure [18 credits];
• 18 additional credits of coursework, at least 12 of which must be courses from the Criminal Law and Procedure-related electives; and
• A Significant Research Paper (30 pages) as a means of evaluation for one of the Criminal Law and Procedure required courses or related electives.

The Advanced Legal Research Workshop is not required for students writing a Significant Research Paper but is strongly recommended in order for students to review writing and research skills.

Specialization Structure

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals across Canada and abroad, Criminal Law and Procedure courses are available via video conferencing and are structured as either weekly evening sessions or 3 day intensives. New students can start the specialization in the Fall or the Winter term, and required courses are offered once every calendar year. Students can complete their degree requirements exclusively through course work or through a combination of course work and a Major Research Paper.

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