Admission requirements
None
Description
From a comparative perspective several criminal justice systems existing in the Western world will be discussed, including the way in which they have been shaped in the common and civil law traditions. Starting point is that every system is an organic whole, that elements out of this system can only be understood in their context – system as well as (legal) culture – and cannot be transplanted without consequences for the rest of the system. Subjects discussed will among other things include the principle of legality; evidence; procedures; defence; punishment.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course:
The course in Comparative Criminal Law and Procedure is designed to acquaint students with different systems of criminal law, showing for example that the choices made in national law are not universal, that a fair trial can also take on very different shapes in different circumstances, and that choices also involve the (legal) culture of a country.
Achievement levels:
Understanding of and feeling for a comparative legal approach of national law (structural as well as cultural).
Timetable
See: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/rechten/osi/wg/ .
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures:
Names of lecturers:
Required preparation by students:
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) seminars: Two 2-hour seminars per week during five weeks. One of the seminars is given in English and one in Dutch. Students take part in one of the two seminars.
Names of instructors: Prof. J.F. Nijboer
Required preparation by students:
Other methods of instruction
Description:
Number of (2 hour) instructions:
Names of instructors:
Required preparation by students:
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
- Paper
Submission procedures
See Reader
Areas to be tested within the exam
The compulsory literature, the reader and any topics discussed during classes.
Blackboard
More information on this course is offered on “Blackboard”: http://blackboard.leidenuniv.nl/.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
- ‘Comparative criminal law and procedure’
Reader:
- A reader for this course is available at Onderwijsmaterialen, KOG, room A0.45
Recommended course materials:
- None
Registration
Students have to register for courses and exams through uSis
Contact information
Coordinator: Prof. mr. J.F. Nijboer
Work address: KOG, room C1.36b
Contact information: By appointment through email
Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 7531
E-mail: j.f.nijboer@umail.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institution: Criminal Law and Criminology
Division: Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
Room number secretariat: KOG, Steenschuur 25, room C 1.01
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00-17:00
Telephone number secretariat: +31 (0)71 527 7518
E-mail: w.bonis@law.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
The course is taught in two groups: an English and a Dutch speaking group. If the number of students wishing to participate in this course exceeds capacity, exchange and Study Abroad students will have preference. Dutch students are allowed to participate in the English group if they indicate this preference and provided that there is room.
Students with no law background can be allowed to take part in this course after an interview with the instructor, where additional course material will be agreed upon.