1. Criminal Law and Justice

2. Learning Intentions Success Criteria
The Victorian criminal justice system
Success Criteria
Distinction between summary and indictable offences
Burden of proof
Standard of proof
Presumption of innocence

3. Introduction to Criminal Law
What is a crime?
Act or omission committed against the community at large that is punishable by the law. A person suspected of a criminal offence is prosecuted by the state.
Two elements
actus reus – guilty act
mens rea – guilty mind
Exception
Strict liability crime – wrongful act alone establishes the
crime eg speeding

4. Types of Criminal Offences
Summary Offences Minor crimes that are heard in the Magistrates’ Court and before a magistrate, but not before a jury. 
Eg drinking in a public
Indictable offences
Serious crimes that are heard before a judge and jury.
Most serious are heard in the Supreme Court eg  murder, manslaughter, treason and culpable driving. 
Others are heard in the County Court.

5. Indictable Offences Heard Summarily
Section 28 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) gives a list of the types of statutory indictable offences that can be heard summarily.
Section 29 states the circumstances under which an indictable offence may be heard and determined summarily. The court will consider:
The seriousness of the offence
The adequacy of the sentences available to the court
Whether a co-accused is charged with the same offence
Any other matter relevant to the court

6. Indictable Offences Heard Summarily cont ..
The accused must consent.
The accused will usually seek legal advice to determine benefits:
Cost
Efficiency
Sentencing options
Whether forgoing trial by jury is a benefit

7. Criminal Procedures
Once a crime has been committed, a range of processes and procedures may be used to investigate, prosecute and sanction an offender:
Pre-trial procedures – gathering evidence
Trial procedures – hearing an offence
Post trial procedures – determining an appropriate sanction.

8. The Burden of Proof
In criminal cases

10. PRESUMPTION OF
INNOCENCE