Legal principles and expertise principles

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Classes include a theoretical introduction and discussion relevant cases. Student participation whenever possible should take place. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. To recognize and apply concepts and principles of criminal law

2. To obtain the ability for analysis and synthesis of the concepts of criminal law used in forensic chemistry

3. To apply the information acquired within the criminal law procedure

4. To acquire skills that enable to convey the acquired information in a clear and accurate way.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Law

2. Judicial Organization: Structure, Function and Organization of Courts.

3. The pre-trial stage in the common civil proceedings.

4. Principles of civil proceedings.

5. The legal framework for the work of experts within the context of expert evidence and social surveys in the criminal courts.

6. Criminal Law.

General notion of crime. Classification of criminal offenses. The criminal offense : essential elements; defenses. Culpability: accountability; dolus, negligence; Excuses. Forms of crime. Sentencing. Reference to some crimes against people and against life in society.

7. Criminal procedure

Evidence in criminal proceedings, the means of obtaining evidence. Coercive measures. The stages of the criminal procedure: inquiry; preliminary hearing; trial; appeal.

8. Trafficking and Consumption of Narcotic Drugs.   

Assessment Methods

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Jorge de Figueiredo Dias, Direito Penal, Parte Geral, I, 2.ª ed., Coimbra Editora, 2007.

Paulo de Sousa Mendes, Lições de Direito Processual Penal, Almedina, 2013.

J. P. Remédio Marques, Acção Declarativa à Luz do Código Revisto, Coimbra Editora, 2011.