Reflective Journal: Analyzing Criminal Law Coursework Concepts

This journal entry reflects on a student's experience in a criminal law coursework, focusing on the understanding of crime definitions, legislation, and its impact on society. The student highlights the importance of understanding key legislations and its implications for professional development. The entry also discusses the application of actus reus principles and the significance of criminal proceedings in a professional context. The student emphasizes the need for adapting to changes in legislation and how the coursework has improved their self-confidence and understanding of criminology. References to academic sources like Cassese, Bassiouni, Ashworth, and Dressler are included to support the analysis.

Journal Entry

As per the detailed analysis of overall course, I can state that criminal law coursework is
significant because it helps in effective development of diverse skills. It has been noticed that
during the course work of two weeks I have focused on diverse theoretical knowledge about the
concept. It has made me understand about the definition of crime (Cassese, 2013). A crime might
be considered as an act or omission, which contravenes the law and which may be followed by
prosecution in criminal proceedings following punishment. It clearly indicates that crime can be
referred as unethical practice which creates a negative impact on individual as well as society.
In addition to this, I have also witnessed that by having a proper understanding in regard
to criminal law. It means key legislations in regard to subject are being understand effectively so
that professional values can also be boosted. In future while dealing with criminal cases the
information gathered can be used for sustainable development (Bassiouni, 2008). Along with
this, every case suits into some specific parliamentary act so by gathering information about
legislation making a particular act the issues in regard to criminal act can be resolved. With an
assistance of this, better values can be presented to government as well as society. Moreover,
learning in regard to actus reus principles has also been shared effectively.
It has been witnessed that two essential elements must be taken into account in order to
ensure that key principles are being followed effectively. Dealing with criminal offence is mainly
considered as critical aspect because it has direct impact on the social values. In addition to this,
it can be said that key elements of crime are also being presented in the study ( Ashworth, 2009).
With an assistance of this information the criminal activities conduction can be understand in
desired manner. Moreover, this knowledge in regard to criminal activities can be attained so that
professional values can be promoted effectively. The term actus reus refers to the external
elements of the offence. All offences have such external elements. By having an application of
such aspects the defence to crime activities can also be designed in appropriate manner.
Learning has helped me to have proper knowledge about skills like observation has been
advanced effectively. Moreover, understanding about criminal law has also been advanced which
assist in dealing with diverse issues. In context to professional manner, it can be said that
criminal proceedings information has been gained which is beneficial for better professional
development. Changes in legislation aspects is also need to be referred effectively so that long
term sustainability can be attained (Dressler, 2015). In addition to this, it can be stated that by
having a learning about course the criminology elements can be understand in desired manner. It

has provided better opportunities in context to professional career. Moreover, it has also
improved my self confidence in order to deal with the issues.

REFERENCES
Cassese, A., 2013. Cassese's international criminal law. Oxford University Press.
Bassiouni, M.C. ed., 2008. International Criminal Law, Volume 2 Multilateral and Bilateral
Enforcement Mechanisms. Brill.
Ashworth, A., 2009. Criminal law. Human Rights and Preventive Justice” in McSherry,
Bernadette, Alan W Norrie, and Simon Bronitt (eds.). Regulating Deviance: the Redirection
of Criminalisation and the Futures of Criminal Law. Oxford: Hart. pp.87-90.
Dressler, J., 2015. Black Letter Outline on Criminal Law. West Academic.