CILEX Criminal Law - Paper 3

Under the law of attempts (Criminal Attempts Act 1981), a person is guilty of attempting to commit an offence if they do an act which is: A) Merely preparatory to the commission of the offence B) More than merely preparatory to the commission of the offence C) The last act before the commission of the offence D) An act within the definition of the offence itself

The partial defence of diminished responsibility under s2 Homicide Act 1957 (as amended by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009) requires: A) Total insanity at the time of the killing B) An abnormality of mental functioning arising from a recognised medical condition C) Provocation by the victim D) Involuntary intoxication

Handling stolen goods under s22 Theft Act 1968 requires the defendant to know or believe that the goods are: A) Lost property B) Stolen C) Dangerous D) Counterfeit

The M'Naghten Rules on insanity require the defendant to prove that at the time of the act: A) They were voluntarily intoxicated B) They were suffering from a defect of reason caused by disease of the mind so as not to know the nature and quality of the act, or that it was wrong C) They were provoked by the victim D) They had a personality disorder

Critically analyse the law of involuntary manslaughter. Distinguish between unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, explaining the elements of each with reference to relevant authorities. Consider whether the law in this area is satisfactory.

Discuss the law relating to consent as a defence in cases involving non-fatal offences against the person. Explain the general rule from R v Brown, the recognised exceptions, and critically evaluate whether the law strikes the right balance between individual autonomy and public policy.

Analyse the law of conspiracy under the Criminal Law Act 1977 and at common law. Explain the difference between statutory conspiracy and common law conspiracy to defraud. Discuss the mens rea requirements and the scope of the agreement necessary to establish the offence.

Evaluate the defence of duress by threats in criminal law. Discuss the requirements established in R v Hasan, including the nature of the threat required, the immediacy requirement, and voluntary association with criminals. Should duress be available as a defence to murder?