GDL Criminal Law - Paper 2

Karen runs a small shop. One evening, she leaves the till open while going to the stockroom. Her employee, Liam, takes £200 from the till intending to return it after payday. A customer, Mike, sees an expensive watch on the counter and swaps the price tag with a cheaper item, then purchases it at the lower price. Meanwhile, Nadia, a shoplifter, conceals three bottles of perfume in her bag but is stopped by security before leaving the store. Nadia claims she forgot to pay. Karen later discovers that her accountant, Oscar, has been diverting company funds into his own account over several months, totalling £15,000. Discuss the criminal liability of Liam, Mike, Nadia, and Oscar for property offences under the Theft Act 1968.

Petra and Quentin plan to burgle a warehouse owned by RichCo Ltd. They agree that Quentin will keep watch while Petra enters through a window. Once inside, Petra discovers a security guard, Sam, asleep. Petra decides to steal Sam's wallet, which was not part of the plan. Quentin, growing impatient, enters the warehouse and accidentally triggers an alarm. In the panic, Petra pushes Sam, who falls and breaks his arm. Petra and Quentin flee in a getaway car driven by Tom, who knew about the burglary plan. During the escape, Quentin throws stolen goods from the car window to avoid detection, hitting a pedestrian, Una, causing minor injuries. Discuss the criminal liability of Petra, Quentin, and Tom.

Critically analyse the mens rea of murder. Evaluate the decision in R v Woollin (1999) and discuss whether the current law on oblique intent is satisfactory. Consider the distinction between direct and oblique intent, the role of the jury in finding intention, and whether foresight of virtual certainty should be equated with intention or merely evidence from which intention may be inferred.

Critically evaluate the defence of insanity as defined by the M'Naghten Rules (1843). Consider whether the rules are outdated and assess reform proposals including the Law Commission's suggestion of a modernised 'not criminally responsible by reason of recognised medical condition' defence. Discuss the relationship between insanity and automatism, and evaluate the difficulties posed by conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes.

Vijay owes £5,000 to a loan shark, Wayne. Wayne threatens to harm Vijay's family unless Vijay robs a post office. Vijay, terrified, enters the post office armed with a fake gun and demands money. The post office worker, Xena, hands over £3,000. While fleeing, Vijay encounters a police officer, Yusuf, and punches him to escape. Vijay then drives recklessly through a residential area, mounting the pavement and narrowly missing several pedestrians. Vijay gives £2,000 to Wayne and keeps £1,000. Discuss Vijay's criminal liability and the availability of the defence of duress.