Skip to main content
Picture of
Ask us about training options for organisations. Learn more

Essential guide to criminal law

  • Start Any Time
  • Interactive
  • Start from $599.00
  • ID050_CRIM
CPD Calendar

Bundle Overview

The criminal justice system provides the foundation for fair representation, just trials and upholds societal principles. It contributes to a legal system that holds individuals accountable for their actions and safeguards fundamental rights. 

The Essential Guide to Criminal Law Bundle is an ideal resource for new lawyers or those seeking a comprehensive overview in New South Wales. 

There are four practical modules which include interactive activities for testing your knowledge, along with access to downloadable resources, offering a simple yet effective way to grasp this practice area. 

The courses include: 

  • Rules of evidence: practice guide
  • Introduction to criminal procedure in NSW: practice guide 
  • Bail applications in NSW: step-by-step guide 
  • Pleas and sentencing in NSW: practice guide 

INCLUDED COURSES

Understanding the law of evidence is key to constructing a robust case for your client. 

In a criminal proceeding, the rules of evidence govern what is admissible or inadmissible in a trial and the procedures that must be followed in obtaining evidence, including: 

  • how suspects are interviewed 
  • the way searches are conducted, and 
  • how forensic evidence is stored and analysed. 

The rules also cover how witnesses are questioned during examination-in-chief and cross-examination. 

In this course, you’ll learn about hearsay, opinion evidence, relevance, privilege and more. 

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 

  • Apply the proof-making model to a set of facts 
  • Distinguish between the three types of burden of proof 
  • Identify admissible and inadmissible evidence 
  • Summarise the circumstances in which an exclusionary rule may apply 

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Getting started 
  • Receiving instructions 
  • Commencing proceedings 
  • Drafting and affirming the affidavit of the executor 
  • Filing the application for grant of probate

Get your comprehensive guide to initiating and managing criminal matters in the Local Court of New South Wales or on appeal. 

When representing clients in criminal law, a thorough understanding of legislation, documentation, court procedures, and rules is crucial for effective representation. As an officer of the court, it is your responsibility to ensure your clients receive the best advice for their cases.

You'll examine issues involving: 

  • Commencing criminal proceedings
  • Dealing with different types of offences
  • Sentencing; and
  • Appeals from the local court 

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Introduction to criminal law
  • Commencing criminal proceedings
  • Dealing with different types of offences
  • Sentencing
  • Appeals from the local court 

"Bail" grants liberty in the context of an offence or alleged offence. The application itself involves five key steps which is governed in NSW by the Bail Act 2013 (NSW). This legislation establishes a framework to decide whether individuals accused of offences should be detained or released, with or without conditions. 

This course, crafted for a standard two-hour duration, will guide you through the intricacies of bail procedures. Completion of the course may earn you up to 2 CPD units. The College of Law extends gratitude to James McInerney for his invaluable subject matter expertise, contributing to the comprehensive nature of this course.

You'll explore topics like: 

  • Getting started
  • Client interview
  • Show cause, bail concerns and unacceptable risk
  • Presenting a bail application 

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Getting started 
  • Client interview
  • Show cause, bail concerns and unacceptable risk
  • Presenting a bail application 
     

Most criminal proceedings result in a defendant pleading guilty. Your role as a lawyer acting for a client charged with a criminal offence is to:

  • advise as to the appropriate plea – guilty or not guilty; and
  • if the client decides to plead guilty, prepare and present evidence and submissions in court to obtain the most lenient and most appropriate sentence for your client.

To provide effective representation for your client on sentence, you must have an appreciation of:

  • the role of the court;
  • the sentencing attitude of the judicial officer;
  • the sentencing criteria that are important; and
  • the most effective way to present relevant material and make submissions.

This course will take you through 5 modules exploring: 

  • Pleas and sentencing
  • Sentencing options
  • Relevant factors
  • Court procedure
  • Driving offences

At the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Apply knowledge of sentencing principles and plea of guilty
  • Follow pleas and sentencing procedure in the Local Court; and
  • Determine the best sentencing option for a drink driving plea 

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Pleas and sentencing
  • Sentencing options
  • Relevant factors
  • Court procedure
  • Driving offences

Overall a very thorough guide. The checklists and guidance notes are much appreciated.

On-demand CPD Learner

The course was very informational and learning was made easier.

On-demand CPD Learner

RELATED COURSES

“Bail” is the authority to be at liberty for an offence or an alleged offence. There are five key steps in the process and with this course, you will learn how to take instructions, outline the law, carry out the steps and present an application.
“Bail” is the authority to be at liberty for an offence or an alleged offence. There are five key steps in the process and with this course, you will learn how to take instructions, outline the law, carry out the steps and present an application.
Get your comprehensive guide to initiating and managing criminal matters in the Local Court of New South Wales or on appeal
Get your comprehensive guide to initiating and managing criminal matters in the Local Court of New South Wales or on appeal
In criminal proceedings, your role as a lawyer involves advising on the appropriate plea and, if the client pleads guilty, preparing to secure the most favourable sentence. This course guides you through understanding pleas, sentencing options, relevant factors, court procedures, and specific considerations for driving offences.
In criminal proceedings, your role as a lawyer involves advising on the appropriate plea and, if the client pleads guilty, preparing to secure the most favourable sentence. This course guides you through understanding pleas, sentencing options, relevant factors, court procedures, and specific considerations for driving offences.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This bundle will benefit:

  • Lawyers wanting to build practical foundational knowledge and skills
  • Established lawyers looking to move into this area of law or who do occasional work in this area  
  • Senior lawyers looking to confirm their knowledge and stay up to date
  • Paralegals, clerks and administrative staff wanting to upskill

With our online on-demand interactive courses, you can learn when and where it suits you.   We’ve designed each course to have both practical learning outcomes and be easy to navigate.  

Each course offers a mix of engaging exercises, where you’ll gain access to:

  • Interactive activities to challenge your understanding and put your knowledge to the test. You’ll also enjoy engaging exercises, such as flip cards, quizzes and drafting activities.
  • Clearly identified outcomes so you know precisely what you’ll learn – and the skills you’ll gain. You’ll also be able to track your development and focus on key improvement areas.
  • Extended course access so you can reference the material as you need – or revisit it should life get in the way.
  • Feedback and template answers so you can refine your skills, grow your knowledge and gain fresh insights.

Each on-demand bundle contains four in-depth learning resources so you can boost your essential knowledge and skills across a practice area – more affordably.

With a bundle, you’ll earn eight CPD points, while saving 40% on the single courses.

Go in-depth as you comprehensively explore a specific practice area. Learn interactively across engaging formats like step-by-step guides, practice guides and skill series. And gain helpful learning resources you can reference when you encounter similar situations in practice.

Access each module on the College’s learning portal. When you buy a single, you’ll have 24/7 unlimited access for 12-months from the date of purchase.

Does this educational activity extend your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your practice needs or professional development?

If so, and you’re not a WA practitioner, you should claim 1 unit for each hour of participation, not including breaks.

Please check your local CPD rules for any caps on activity types, such as the private study of non-interactive audio/visual materials. You are responsible for keeping your own CPD records and complying with your local CPD rules.

No. Western Australian practitioners who complete our on-demand courses are currently unable to claim CPD points.

However, you may earn CPD points by attending select live CPD events or by completing select CPD Interactive modules.

Yes, if your organisation has multiple employees looking to enrol in any of the College of Law’s courses, please contact us to discuss the corporate rates available. 

A digital subscription is our most popular option for firms, with pricing designed to accommodate teams of various sizes:

  • For teams of 2 to 5 users, total cost: $1,399 per year. Enjoy savings of $1,096 using code FLEX5 when purchasing at the checkout
  • For teams of 6 to 10 users, total cost: $1,799 per year. Unlock savings of $3,191 using code FLEX10 when purchasing at the checkout
  • For teams of 10 or more users, please contact us directly for personalised pricing tailored to your organisation's needs

You can also learn more here.

We use cookies to compile information about how our website is used and to improve the experience of our website visitors. For more information about the cookies we use, please read our Cookies and Electronic Marketing Policy. To adjust your cookie settings, click 'More information'. By clicking 'Accept and continue', you consent to our use of cookies.
College of Law recommends the use of all cookies to provide you with the optimal experience while visiting our website. Choose below to accept the recommended settings or continue to adjust your individual preferences.

Adjust your settings

We use three kinds of cookies on our websites: required, functional, and advertising. You can choose to opt out of functional and advertising cookies. Click on the different cookie categories to find out more about each category and to change the default settings.
Required cookies are necessary for basic website functionality. Some examples include: session cookies needed to transmit the website, authentication cookies, and security cookies.
Functional cookies enhance functions, performance, and services on the website. Some examples include: cookies used to analyze site traffic, cookies used for market research, and cookies used to display advertising that is not directed to a particular individual.
Advertising cookies track activity across websites in order to understand a viewer's interests, and direct them specific marketing. Some examples include: cookies used for remarketing, or interest-based advertising.