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BA-LLB in Criminal Law at Shri Jagadguru Renukacharya College of Law
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Criminal Law at Shri Jagadguru Renukacharya College of Law Bengaluru?
This Criminal Law program at Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College of Law focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of the Indian criminal justice system, including statutory provisions, procedural intricacies, and evolving jurisprudence. It prepares future legal professionals for roles in criminal litigation, prosecution, defence, and reform, addressing the complex challenges prevalent in contemporary Indian society and legal practice.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about justice and societal order, seeking entry into criminal advocacy or public service as prosecutors. It also suits aspiring judges, legal consultants, and professionals desiring to contribute to criminal law policy, with a strong commitment to ethical practice and a foundational interest in legal principles and societal impact.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths as criminal lawyers, public prosecutors, defence counsels, legal advisors, or officers in law enforcement agencies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 15-30 lakhs or more for experienced practitioners, aligned with the dynamic legal market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Legal Foundation with Active Reading- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental legal concepts from subjects like Law of Torts and Legal Methods. Develop a habit of active reading by annotating case laws and statutes, summarizing key principles, and discussing them with peers to solidify comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Bare Acts, online legal databases (e.g., Manupatra, SCC Online for key cases), college library resources, peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in competitive exams (judicial services, public prosecutor) and building compelling legal arguments in future practice.
Develop Effective Communication and Legal Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in English language classes, focusing on improving grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure essential for legal communication. Practice writing clear and concise summaries of legal articles and prepare short legal essays to hone drafting skills.
Tools & Resources
Legal English textbooks, grammar guides, online legal writing tutorials, feedback from English/Law faculty
Career Connection
Strong communication and writing skills are indispensable for drafting legal documents, presenting arguments, and succeeding in internships and courtrooms.
Engage in Mooting and Debates for Oral Advocacy- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college''''s moot court society early. Participate in internal moot court competitions and debates to hone oral advocacy skills, logical reasoning, and presentation techniques, even on non-law topics initially, to build confidence and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
College moot court committee, senior student mentors, public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure to mooting builds confidence, research ability, and persuasive speaking, directly benefiting future litigation and courtroom practice.
Intermediate Stage
Master Core Criminal Law Principles & Statutes- (Semester 3-4)
Devote extra effort to understanding Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from Semester 3 & 4. Attend guest lectures by practicing criminal lawyers or former judges, and meticulously study case law precedents to gain practical insights.
Tools & Resources
Commentaries on IPC/CrPC, Supreme Court/High Court judgments, Law journals, specialized criminal law workshops
Career Connection
In-depth knowledge of these statutes is foundational for any role in criminal justice, from prosecution to defence, and essential for judicial services exams.
Undertake Legal Internships in Criminal Courts/NGOs- (Semester 4-5)
Seek short-term internships during semester breaks with criminal lawyers, public prosecutors, or NGOs working on criminal justice issues. Observe court proceedings, assist in research, and learn practical aspects of case management to gain real-world exposure.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, personal networking, online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, Lawctopus)
Career Connection
Practical exposure bridges the gap between theory and practice, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers or crucial recommendations.
Participate in Legal Aid and Awareness Camps- (Semester 3-5)
Volunteer for legal aid clinics and community outreach programs organized by the college or local NGOs. This provides exposure to real-world legal problems of marginalized communities and develops empathy, client interaction, and problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
College legal aid cell, local bar associations, NGOs like Human Rights Law Network
Career Connection
Enhances social responsibility, provides practical experience in client interaction, and can be valuable for careers in human rights law or public interest litigation.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Research- (Semester 7-9)
Diligently choose criminal law-focused electives (Penology, Victimology, Women & Criminal Law, Drug Addiction & Criminal Justice). Conduct in-depth research for project work or dissertations on contemporary criminal justice issues to develop expertise.
Tools & Resources
Advanced legal treatises, research databases, faculty mentors specializing in criminal law, national/international conferences
Career Connection
Deep specialization makes graduates highly competitive for niche roles in criminal law, policy research, or pursuing higher education (LLM) in criminal justice.
Intensive Preparation for Judiciary/Bar Council Exams- (Semester 8-10)
Begin focused preparation for judicial services exams, public prosecutor recruitment, or the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). Solve previous year''''s question papers, join coaching classes if feasible, and revise all core law subjects consistently.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (e.g., Delhi Law Academy, Legal Edge), online test series, KSLU model papers, study groups
Career Connection
Direct pathway to becoming a judge, prosecutor, or obtaining the license to practice law in Indian courts, opening diverse legal career avenues.
Network with Legal Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 7-10)
Attend legal seminars, workshops, and court visits. Actively engage with practicing lawyers, judges, and alumni of the college. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and informational interviews to gain insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College alumni network, Bar Council events, legal conferences, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Networking often leads to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and insights into various career paths, crucial for securing placements and building a professional reputation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pre-University Course (PUC) or 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 45% marks in aggregate for General category and 40% for SC/ST category from a recognized board or university.
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Credits: 224 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL101 | Legal Methods | Core | 4 | Nature and Function of Law, Sources of Law, Legal Reasoning, Law and Justice, Classification of Law |
| BAL102 | Political Science – I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Political Science, State and Sovereignty, Rights and Duties, Liberty and Equality, Justice |
| BAL103 | Economics – I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Economics, Demand and Supply, Market Structures, National Income Accounting, Public Finance |
| BAL104 | Sociology – I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Sociology, Social Institutions, Social Stratification, Culture and Socialization, Social Change |
| BAL105 | English – I | Core | 4 | Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing, Introduction to Legal English |
| BAL106 | Kannada / Additional English – I | Core | 4 | Language Skills, Translation, Grammar, Reading and Writing, Cultural Texts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL201 | Law of Torts | Core | 4 | General Principles of Torts, General Defences, Specific Torts (Negligence, Nuisance, Defamation), Strict and Absolute Liability, Remedies in Tort |
| BAL202 | Political Science – II | Core | 4 | Political Ideologies, Democracy and Dictatorship, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Federalism, International Relations |
| BAL203 | Economics – II | Core | 4 | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Money and Banking, International Trade, Indian Economy |
| BAL204 | Sociology – II | Core | 4 | Social Problems in India, Rural and Urban Sociology, Social Control, Sociology of Law, Research Methods |
| BAL205 | English – II | Core | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Legal Vocabulary, Drafting Legal Documents, Legal Correspondence, Public Speaking |
| BAL206 | Kannada / Additional English – II | Core | 4 | Advanced Language Skills, Legal Terminology in Kannada, Cultural and Literary Texts, Translation Exercises, Creative Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL301 | Constitutional Law – I | Core | 4 | Nature of Indian Constitution, Preamble and Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Executive |
| BAL302 | Indian History – I | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, Mughal Empire, British East India Company, Socio-Religious Reform Movements |
| BAL303 | Family Law – I (Hindu Law) | Core | 4 | Sources of Hindu Law, Hindu Marriage Act, Divorce and Maintenance, Adoption and Guardianship, Hindu Succession Act |
| BAL304 | Criminal Law – I (Indian Penal Code) | Core | 4 | Introduction to IPC, General Explanations and Exceptions, Punishments, Offences Against Human Body, Offences Against Property |
| BAL305 | Law of Contract – I (General Principles) | Core | 4 | Formation of Contract, Offer and Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity to Contract, Free Consent |
| BAL306 | Environmental Studies | Core | 4 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection Acts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL401 | Constitutional Law – II | Core | 4 | Union and State Legislature, Union and State Judiciary, Emergency Provisions, Amendment of the Constitution, Centre-State Relations |
| BAL402 | Indian History – II | Core | 4 | Indian National Movement, Constitutional Developments, Freedom Struggle, Post-Independence India, Legal History of India |
| BAL403 | Family Law – II (Mohammedan Law and Other Personal Laws) | Core | 4 | Sources of Muslim Law, Muslim Marriage (Nikah), Divorce (Talaq) and Dower, Wills, Gifts and Waqfs, Maintenance and Guardianship |
| BAL404 | Criminal Law – II (Criminal Procedure Code) | Core | 4 | Constitution of Criminal Courts, Arrest, Search and Seizure, Investigation, Bail and Anticipatory Bail, Trial Procedures |
| BAL405 | Law of Contract – II (Specific Contracts) | Core | 4 | Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment and Pledge, Agency, Sale of Goods Act, Indian Partnership Act |
| BAL406 | Jurisprudence | Core | 4 | Schools of Jurisprudence, Sources of Law, Rights and Duties, Legal Personality, Possession and Ownership |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL501 | Property Law | Core | 4 | Transfer of Property Act, Immovable Property, Sale and Mortgage, Lease and Exchange, Gifts and Easements |
| BAL502 | Company Law | Core | 4 | Formation of Company, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Shares and Debentures, Company Management, Winding Up of Companies |
| BAL503 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Administrative Law, Delegated Legislation, Administrative Discretion, Principles of Natural Justice, Judicial Review of Administrative Action |
| BAL504 | Labour Law – I | Core | 4 | Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Standing Orders, Collective Bargaining, Strikes and Lockouts |
| BAL505 | Public International Law | Core | 4 | Sources of International Law, Subjects of International Law, Recognition of States and Governments, Law of Treaties, International Human Rights Law |
| BAL506 | Principles of Taxation Law | Core | 4 | Constitutional Provisions of Taxation, Income Tax Act, Heads of Income, Deductions and Exemptions, GST (Introduction) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL601 | Civil Procedure Code & Limitation Act | Core | 4 | Jurisdiction of Courts, Pleadings, Summons and Appearance, Interim Orders, Execution of Decrees and Appeals |
| BAL602 | Law of Evidence | Core | 4 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissions and Confessions, Oral and Documentary Evidence, Burden of Proof, Estoppel |
| BAL603 | Human Rights Law | Core | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants, National Human Rights Institutions, Human Rights in India |
| BAL604 | Labour Law – II | Core | 4 | Factories Act, Employees'''' Compensation Act, Minimum Wages Act, Employees'''' Provident Funds Act, Payment of Gratuity Act |
| BAL605 | Banking Law | Core | 4 | Banking Regulation Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Banker-Customer Relationship, Types of Banks, Reserve Bank of India |
| BAL606 | Insurance Law | Core | 4 | Principles of Insurance, Types of Insurance (Life, General, Marine), IRDA Act, Insurance Contract, Claims and Liabilities |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL701 | Interpretation of Statutes & Principles of Legislation | Core | 4 | Rules of Interpretation, Aids to Interpretation, Presumptions, Maxims of Interpretation, Principles of Good Legislation |
| BAL702 | Land Laws | Core | 4 | Karnataka Land Revenue Act, Land Reforms Act, Tenancy Laws, Acquisition of Land, Zoning Regulations |
| BAL703 | Law and Poverty & Development | Core | 4 | Poverty and Law, Socio-Economic Justice, Access to Justice, Public Interest Litigation, Law and Development |
| BAL704 | Penology & Victimology | Elective (Criminal Law Specialization) | 4 | Theories of Punishment, Sentencing Policies, Prison Reforms, Victim Compensation Schemes, Victim Protection and Rights |
| BAL705 | Clinical Course – I: Professional Ethics & Professional Accounting System | Practical | 4 | Bar Council of India Rules, Duties of an Advocate, Professional Misconduct, Contempt of Court, Professional Accounting for Lawyers |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL801 | Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Patents Law, Copyrights Law, Trademarks Law, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications |
| BAL802 | Competition Law | Core | 4 | Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position, Combinations, Competition Commission of India, Consumer Protection Act |
| BAL803 | Law on Education | Core | 4 | Right to Education, Regulatory Bodies in Education, Private Educational Institutions, Admission Procedures, Funding in Education |
| BAL804 | Women & Criminal Law | Elective (Criminal Law Specialization) | 4 | Crimes Against Women, Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Domestic Violence, Dowry Prohibition Act, Women''''s Rights in Criminal Justice |
| BAL805 | Clinical Course – II: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | Practical | 4 | Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation, Negotiation, Lok Adalats and Gram Nyayalayas |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAL901 | White Collar Crimes | Core (Relevant for Criminal Law Specialization) | 4 | Nature of White Collar Crimes, Causes and Consequences, Specific White Collar Crimes (Fraud, Bribery), Corruption and Prevention of Corruption Act, Prevention and Control Strategies |
| BAL902 | Cyber Law | Core (Relevant for Criminal Law Specialization) | 4 | Information Technology Act, Digital Signatures, Cyber Crimes (Hacking, Cyber Terrorism), E-commerce, Data Protection and Privacy |
| BAL903 | Drug Addiction & Criminal Justice | Elective (Criminal Law Specialization) | 4 | Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Drug Control Policies, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Legal Provisions for Drug Offenses, Prevention Strategies |
| BAL904 | Clinical Course – III: Drafting, Pleading & Conveyancing | Practical | 4 | Drafting of Suits and Petitions, Written Statements, Affidavits and Applications, Conveyancing Documents (Sale Deed, Lease Deed), Legal Language |
| BAL905 | Clinical Course – IV: Moot Court Exercise and Internship | Practical | 4 | Moot Court Preparation, Memorial Drafting, Oral Arguments, Court Observation, Legal Aid Clinic Work, Internship Report |
