.png&w=1920&q=75)
LLM in Criminal Law at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Criminal Law at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This LL.M. in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration program at SASTRA University focuses on advanced study of criminal jurisprudence, procedure, and modern crime challenges in India. It prepares legal professionals for complex roles in prosecution, defence, and policy-making by emphasizing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, crucial for addressing the evolving landscape of crime and justice in the nation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for law graduates seeking specialized knowledge in criminal law, aspiring public prosecutors, defence lawyers, and judicial officers. It also caters to legal professionals looking to enhance their expertise in areas like cybercrime, corporate fraud, and victim justice, and academics interested in research and teaching in the Indian legal education system.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in judicial services, prosecution departments, corporate legal teams, and law enforcement agencies. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20+ LPA. The program also fosters growth towards advanced legal research and policy advisory positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Criminal Law Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a robust understanding of fundamental criminal law concepts, procedural aspects, and the law of evidence. Engage in intensive case analysis, participate in internal moot courts, and contribute to legal aid clinics to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world Indian legal problems.
Tools & Resources
Bare Acts (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act), landmark judgment databases (SCC Online, Manupatra), SASTRA University''''s Law Clinic
Career Connection
Provides a solid base for qualifying judicial exams, entering public prosecution, and establishing credibility as a defence lawyer.
Develop Advanced Legal Research & Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Excel in the Research Methodology course by undertaking rigorous literature reviews and crafting well-structured research proposals. Regularly practice academic and professional legal writing, focusing on clarity, coherence, and ethical citation, which is crucial for the ongoing dissertation work.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, specialized legal research software (if available), academic style guides, peer review groups
Career Connection
Enhances capabilities for academic roles, legal research positions, policy analysis, and effectively drafting legal documents for any professional legal career.
Explore Criminology & Victim Justice- (Semester 1-2)
Delve into the sociological and psychological aspects of crime and the rights of victims. Participate in seminars, workshops, and potentially interact with organizations working in victim support or correctional services to gain practical insights into the Indian criminal justice system''''s human elements.
Tools & Resources
NCRB reports, UNODC publications, local NGOs, guest lectures by criminology experts
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in victim advocacy, social work within the justice system, rehabilitation services, and shaping empathetic legal policy.
Intermediate Stage
Practical Application in Specialized Criminal Domains- (Semester 3)
Actively choose an elective (e.g., Cyber Crimes, Probation and Parole) and delve into its practical application through case studies, simulations, and analysis of relevant Indian statutes. Seek guest lecture opportunities from practitioners in these specific fields to understand real-world challenges and legal strategies.
Tools & Resources
Specific case law databases for chosen elective, reports from Indian government bodies (e.g., CERT-In for cybercrime), practitioner interviews
Career Connection
Develops specialized skills highly sought after by law firms, government agencies, and corporations dealing with specific types of criminal offences in India.
Advance Dissertation Work & Academic Engagement- (Semester 3)
Focus intensively on Dissertation II, refining the research methodology, data collection, and initial analysis. Present research findings in internal seminars or workshops to receive peer and faculty feedback, fostering critical academic discourse and improving research output.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisor, academic writing workshops, presentation tools, feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
Strengthens academic credentials for potential PhD pursuits, teaching positions, and demonstrates high-level analytical skills valued in research-intensive legal roles.
Initiate Professional Networking & Industry Connects- (Semester 3)
Begin actively networking with alumni and legal professionals in criminal law through online platforms and university-organized events. Identify potential mentors and explore opportunities for short-term projects or internships during the semester break to gain preliminary industry exposure in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, SASTRA University alumni network, local bar association events, career fair
Career Connection
Starts building a professional network crucial for job referrals, career guidance, and understanding the practical demands of the legal profession in India.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Dissertation for Publication/Viva Voce- (Semester 4)
Dedicate the final semester to completing and defending Dissertation III. Ensure the thesis meets academic standards, is plagiarism-free, and is ready for viva voce. Explore opportunities for publishing excerpts or full articles in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Plagiarism checkers, SASTRA University Research Cell, academic publishing guides, research mentor
Career Connection
A strong dissertation can lead to academic recognition, open doors for research roles, and signal advanced expertise to potential employers.
Intensive Placement & Career Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in mock interviews, resume building workshops, and group discussions organized by the university''''s career services. Tailor applications for specific roles (e.g., Public Prosecutor, Legal Advisor, Judicial Clerk) and prepare for competitive exams relevant to the Indian legal job market.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA University Career Services, interview preparation guides, current affairs updates, legal aptitude tests
Career Connection
Directly aims at securing desirable placements in top law firms, government legal departments, or judicial services immediately after graduation.
Continuous Professional Development & Ethical Practice- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Commit to lifelong learning by staying updated on legal amendments, landmark judgments, and ethical considerations in criminal law. Participate in legal ethics workshops and professional development seminars to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in legal practice in India.
Tools & Resources
Legal news portals, Bar Council of India updates, professional ethics courses, legal mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for long-term success, career progression, and maintaining a reputable professional standing in the Indian legal community.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- L.L.B. / B.A., L.L.B. (Hons.) / B.B.A., L.L.B. (Hons.) / B.Com., L.L.B. (Hons.) / B.Sc., L.L.B. (Hons.) from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLMCR101 | Research Methodology and Legal Education | Core | 5 | Legal Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Legal Writing, Teaching Methods in Law |
| LLMCR102 | Comparative Criminal Procedure | Core | 5 | Criminal Justice Systems, Adversarial vs. Inquisitorial, Investigative Powers, Trial Procedures, Sentencing |
| LLMCR103 | Principles of Criminal Law | Core | 5 | Elements of Crime, General Defences, Inchoate Offences, Group Liability, Punishments |
| LLMCR104 | Criminology and Penology | Core | 5 | Theories of Crime, Schools of Criminology, Causes of Crime, Correctional Methods, Victimology |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLMCR201 | Law of Evidence | Core | 5 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissions and Confessions, Documentary Evidence, Burden of Proof, Estoppel |
| LLMCR202 | Corporate White Collar and Economic Crimes | Core | 5 | Corporate Criminal Liability, Scams, Money Laundering, Cyber Crimes, Prevention of Corruption Act |
| LLMCR203 | Victimology and Victim Justice | Core | 5 | Victim Rights, Compensation, Restorative Justice, Witness Protection, Role of NGOs |
| LLMCR204 | Dissertation I | Core (Project/Dissertation) | 5 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Methodology Selection, Preliminary Data Analysis, Chapter Planning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLMCR301 | International Criminal Law | Core | 5 | Sources of ICL, Jurisdiction, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, International Criminal Court |
| LLMCR302 | Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation | Core | 5 | Principles of Forensic Science, DNA Fingerprinting, Ballistics, Fingerprints, Crime Scene Investigation |
| LLMCR303 | Elective I (Cyber Crimes and Digital Forensics) | Elective | 5 | Cyber Crime Laws, Data Theft, Hacking, Cyber Terrorism, Digital Evidence |
| LLMCRE304 | Elective I (Probation and Parole) | Elective | 5 | Theories of Punishment, Parole System, Probation Officers, Rehabilitation, Open Prisons |
| LLMCR304 | Dissertation II | Core (Project/Dissertation) | 5 | Data Collection, Analysis of Findings, Drafting Chapters, Refining Arguments, Progress Review |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLMCR401 | Human Rights and Criminal Justice | Core | 5 | Human Rights Instruments, Rights of Accused, Police Brutality, Judicial Activism, Custodial Violence |
| LLMCR402 | Social Defence and Correctional Administration | Core | 5 | Correctional Institutions, Prison Reforms, Juvenile Justice, Women in Prison, Rehabilitation Programs |
| LLMCR403 | Elective II (Media Law and Criminal Justice) | Elective | 5 | Freedom of Speech, Media Trials, Contempt of Court, Defamation, Social Media Regulation |
| LLMCRE404 | Elective II (Environmental Crimes) | Elective | 5 | Environmental Laws, Pollution Crimes, Wildlife Protection, Forest Offences, Eco-terrorism |
| LLMCR404 | Dissertation III | Core (Project/Dissertation) | 5 | Finalization of Dissertation, Presentation, Viva Voce, Publication Ethics, Thesis Submission |
