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BA-LLB-HONS in Criminal Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Criminal Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This Criminal Law specialization program at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, focuses on equipping students with a deep understanding of the Indian criminal justice system, its procedural nuances, and substantive laws. It delves into the intricate aspects of crime, punishment, and victimology within the context of Indian societal challenges. The program aims to foster critical analytical skills vital for addressing contemporary criminal issues and contributes to the robust demand for specialized legal professionals in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring legal professionals and fresh graduates seeking entry into the fields of criminal prosecution, defense, or policy-making in India. It also suits individuals passionate about social justice, human rights, and the intricacies of penal codes. Students with a strong aptitude for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a desire to contribute to law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse India-specific career paths, including Public Prosecutors, Defense Lawyers, Legal Advisors to law enforcement agencies, and roles in NGOs focused on criminal justice reform. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in specialized practices or the judiciary. The program aligns with the requirements for appearing in judicial services examinations and bar council registrations across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Legal Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand foundational subjects like Law of Contract, Torts, and Constitutional Law. These form the bedrock for all advanced legal studies, including criminal law.
Tools & Resources
Standard legal textbooks (e.g., Avtar Singh for Contracts, R.K. Bangia for Torts), Study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures better comprehension of advanced criminal statutes and procedures, leading to more effective legal arguments in the future.
Develop Strong Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the Legal English & Communication Lab, focusing on improving written drafting, public speaking, and legal research presentation skills. Practice summarizing legal cases and arguments concisely.
Tools & Resources
Legal dictionaries, Online grammar resources, Moot court internal rounds
Career Connection
Excellent communication is paramount for lawyers in drafting legal documents, presenting cases in court, and interacting with clients and colleagues.
Cultivate Ethical Reasoning- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the Ethics & Values course and clinical sessions. Analyze case studies involving ethical dilemmas to develop a robust moral compass crucial for the legal profession, especially in criminal justice.
Tools & Resources
Bar Council of India Rules of Professional Conduct, Mentorship from senior faculty
Career Connection
Upholding high ethical standards is non-negotiable for a credible legal career, ensuring trust from clients, judiciary, and the public.
Intermediate Stage
Dive into Criminal Law Fundamentals- (Semester 3-5)
Pay close attention to Law of Crime I & II and Criminal Procedure Code I. Start building a detailed understanding of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Tools & Resources
Commentaries on IPC and CrPC (e.g., Ratanlal & Dhirajlal), Legal aid clinics, District court observations
Career Connection
A solid grasp of substantive and procedural criminal law is essential for roles in criminal defense, prosecution, and judicial services.
Engage in Practical Legal Applications- (Semester 3-5)
Maximize learning from clinical courses like Constitutional Law (Clinical) and Law of Crime (Clinical). Actively participate in drafting FIRs, bail applications, and mock trials.
Tools & Resources
Legal drafting guides, Workshops on plea bargaining, Internships at law firms or police stations
Career Connection
Practical exposure translates theoretical knowledge into usable skills, enhancing employability and effectiveness in a legal practice setting.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-5)
Attend legal seminars, webinars, and workshops related to criminal law. Connect with professors, alumni, and practicing lawyers.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services, Student legal societies
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and future job prospects in the competitive legal market.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Deepen Knowledge- (Semester 6-8)
Focus intently on core criminal law subjects and specialized electives like Penology & Victimology, Cyber Law & Cyber Crimes, and Forensic Science & Law. Identify areas of personal interest for future practice.
Tools & Resources
Specialized legal journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Criminology), Workshops on criminal investigation techniques, Certification courses in cyber forensics
Career Connection
Developing expertise in niche areas early on can differentiate you in the job market, aligning with specific roles in cybercrime units, forensic legal advising, or victim advocacy.
Master Practical Advocacy and Drafting- (Semester 6-8)
Prioritize excellence in Drafting, Pleading & Conveyancing, and Moot Court. Actively prepare for, and participate in, moot court competitions to hone oral advocacy, legal research, and memorial drafting skills.
Tools & Resources
Legal software for case management, Faculty mentorship for moot court, Precedent documents for drafting
Career Connection
Strong advocacy and drafting skills are non-negotiable for becoming a successful litigator or legal counsel, directly impacting performance in internships and initial job roles.
Strategic Internship and Research- (Semester 8)
Leverage Internship II and any research projects to gain significant practical experience in criminal law settings such as district courts, High Courts, police headquarters, or NGOs working on criminal justice.
Tools & Resources
Proactive internship applications, Networking with legal professionals during internships, Detailed log of experiences and learnings
Career Connection
High-quality internships provide invaluable exposure, professional contacts, and often lead directly to pre-placement offers or strong references, crucial for securing roles post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% Marks in 10th and 12th. Minimum 50% marks in CLAT/LSAT-India/UPES Law Studies Aptitude Test (ULSAT).
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Credits: 235 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 1001 | Law of Contract I | Core | 4 | Formation of Contract, Offer and Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity of Parties, Free Consent |
| LGCF 1002 | Law of Torts & Consumer Protection Act | Core | 4 | General Principles of Torts, Defences to Torts, Specific Torts, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Consumer Disputes Redressal |
| LGCF 1003 | English & Communication Skills | Core | 3 | Legal English, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Public Speaking, Written Communication |
| LGCF 1004 | Legal Methods | Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of Law, Legal Research Methods, Statutory Interpretation, Judicial Precedent, Law and Morality |
| LGCF 1005 | History I (Indian Legal History) | Core | 3 | Ancient Indian Legal System, Medieval Legal System, British Legal Reforms, Establishment of Courts, Privy Council |
| LGCF 1006 | Political Science I (Political Theory) | Core | 3 | State, Sovereignty, Justice, Rights, Political Ideologies |
| LGCF 1007 | Legal English & Communication Lab | Lab | 1 | Legal Drafting Exercises, Mooting Skills, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Group Discussions |
| LGCF 1008 | Ethics & Values | Core | 2 | Ethical Theories, Professional Ethics, Morality in Legal Profession, Values in Society, Human Values |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 2001 | Law of Contract II | Core | 4 | Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment and Pledge, Agency, Sale of Goods Act, Partnership Act |
| LGCF 2002 | Constitutional Law I | Core | 4 | Nature of Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties |
| LGCF 2003 | Family Law I | Core | 4 | Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Adoption and Guardianship, Maintenance, Dissolution of Marriage |
| LGCF 2004 | History II (Constitutional History) | Core | 3 | Regulating Act, Pitt''''s India Act, Government of India Acts, Independence Act, Drafting of Indian Constitution |
| LGCF 2005 | Political Science II (Indian Political System) | Core | 3 | Union Executive, Union Legislature, Judiciary, State Governments, Local Self-Government |
| LGCF 2006 | Socio-Economic Philosophy | Core | 3 | Social Justice, Economic Justice, Human Rights, Poverty and Inequality, Environmental Ethics |
| LGCF 2007 | Law of Torts & Consumer Protection Act (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | Case Studies on Torts, Consumer Complaint Drafting, Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Mock Consumer Court Proceedings |
| LGCF 2008 | Professional Ethics & Moral Values (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | Case Studies on Legal Ethics, Bar Council Rules, Role-playing Ethical Dilemmas, Client Confidentiality |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 3001 | Constitutional Law II | Core | 4 | Union-State Relations, Emergency Provisions, Amendment Procedure, Judicial Review, Writs |
| LGCF 3002 | Family Law II | Core | 4 | Muslim Law of Marriage, Divorce, Dower, Guardianship, Waqf |
| LGCF 3003 | Law of Crime I | Core | 4 | General Principles of Criminal Law, Indian Penal Code, General Explanations, Punishments, Abetment |
| LGCF 3004 | Environmental Law | Core | 4 | Environmental Protection Act, Water Act, Air Act, Forest Law, Wildlife Protection Act |
| LGCF 3005 | Economics I (Microeconomics) | Core | 3 | Demand and Supply, Consumer Behavior, Production and Costs, Market Structures, Welfare Economics |
| LGCF 3006 | Sociology I (Basic Concepts of Sociology) | Core | 3 | Society, Culture, Socialization, Social Stratification, Social Institutions |
| LGCF 3007 | Constitutional Law (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | PIL Drafting, Writ Petitions, Constitutional Case Studies, Mock Supreme Court Hearings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 4001 | Law of Property | Core | 4 | Transfer of Property Act, Sale, Mortgage, Lease, Gift |
| LGCF 4002 | Law of Crime II | Core | 4 | Offences against Human Body, Offences against Property, Defamation, Criminal Intimidation, Sexual Offences |
| LGCF 4003 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Administrative Action, Delegated Legislation, Natural Justice, Judicial Review of Administrative Action, Public Corporations |
| LGCF 4004 | Human Rights Law | Core | 4 | Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants, National Human Rights Commission, Human Rights in India, Refugee Law |
| LGCF 4005 | Economics II (Macroeconomics) | Core | 3 | National Income, Inflation, Unemployment, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy |
| LGCF 4006 | Sociology II (Sociology of Law) | Core | 3 | Law and Society, Social Control, Social Change, Legal Pluralism, Access to Justice |
| LGCF 4007 | Law of Crime (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | FIR Drafting, Criminal Complaint Drafting, Bail Applications, Mock Trial Proceedings |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 5001 | Jurisprudence I | Core | 4 | Nature of Jurisprudence, Schools of Jurisprudence, Sources of Law, Legal Rights and Duties, Possession and Ownership |
| LGCF 5002 | Civil Procedure Code I | Core | 4 | Introduction to CPC, Jurisdiction of Courts, Res Sub-judice, Res Judicata, Parties to Suit |
| LGCF 5003 | Criminal Procedure Code I | Core | 4 | Organisation of Criminal Courts, Powers of Police, FIR, Arrest, Investigation |
| LGCF 5004 | Public International Law | Core | 4 | Sources of International Law, State Recognition, Treaties, Jurisdiction of States, International Organizations |
| LGCF 5005 | Law & Media | Elective | 3 | Freedom of Speech, Censorship, Defamation, Media Ethics, Cyber Law & Media |
| LGCF 5006 | Law & Literature | Elective | 3 | Legal Themes in Literature, Legal Narratives, Justice in Fiction, Law as a Profession in Literature |
| LGCF 5007 | Public International Law (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | International Treaty Analysis, ICJ Case Studies, Mock UN Assembly, Diplomatic Immunities |
| LGCF 5008 | Foreign Language 1 | Core | 2 | Basic Grammar, Vocabulary, Conversational Phrases, Reading Simple Texts, Cultural Aspects |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 6001 | Jurisprudence II | Core | 4 | Theories of Punishment, Legal Personality, Duties and Liabilities, Theories of Justice, Feminist Jurisprudence |
| LGCF 6002 | Civil Procedure Code II | Core | 4 | Pleadings, Discovery, Issues, Summoning Witnesses, Execution of Decrees |
| LGCF 6003 | Criminal Procedure Code II | Core | 4 | Trial Procedures, Charges, Bail, Appeals, Revisions, Compounding of Offences |
| LGCF 6004 | Law of Evidence | Core | 4 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissions and Confessions, Dying Declaration, Witness Examination, Burden of Proof |
| LGCF 6005 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | Core | 4 | Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation, Negotiation, Lok Adalat |
| LGCF 6006 | IPR I (Foundational) | Elective | 3 | Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications |
| LGCF 6007 | Criminal Procedure Code & Law of Evidence (Clinical) | Lab | 1 | Evidence Analysis, Cross-Examination Techniques, Filing Appeals, Drafting Charges |
| LGCF 6008 | Foreign Language 2 | Core | 2 | Intermediate Grammar, Advanced Vocabulary, Conversational Fluency, Reading Complex Texts, Cultural Nuances |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 7001 | Drafting, Pleading & Conveyancing | Core | 4 | Principles of Drafting, Pleading, Conveyancing, Drafting of Plaints, Written Statements, Sale Deeds, Mortgages |
| LGCF 7002 | Moot Court & Professional Ethics | Core | 4 | Moot Court Participation, Memorial Drafting, Oral Advocacy, Professional Ethics, Bar-Bench Relations |
| LGCR 7001 | Penology & Victimology | Specialization | 4 | Theories of Punishment, Correctional Administration, Prison Reforms, Victim Compensation, Victim Protection Schemes |
| LGCR 7002 | Cyber Law & Cyber Crimes | Specialization | 4 | Information Technology Act, Cyber Offences, Digital Evidence, Cyber Forensics, Data Protection |
| LGCF 7003 | Land Laws | Core | 4 | Land Revenue Code, Tenancy Laws, Land Acquisition Act, Urban Land Ceiling Act, Rights in Land |
| LGCF 7004 | Competition Law | Elective | 3 | Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position, Combinations, Competition Commission of India |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 8001 | Internship - II / Research Project (Minor) | Core | 4 | Practical Legal Training, Research Methodology, Report Writing, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills |
| LGCF 8002 | Law & Poverty | Core | 4 | Legal Aid, Rights of Vulnerable Groups, Social Security Laws, Poverty Alleviation Programs, Access to Justice |
| LGCR 8001 | Forensic Science & Law | Specialization | 4 | Forensic Medicine, DNA Fingerprinting, Ballistics, Fingerprint Analysis, Role of Experts in Courts |
| LGCR 8002 | Criminology | Specialization | 4 | Theories of Crime, Causes of Crime, Juvenile Delinquency, White-Collar Crime, Organized Crime |
| LGCF 8003 | Banking Law | Elective | 3 | Banking Regulation Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, RBI, Loans and Advances, Customer Rights |
| LGCF 8004 | Insurance Law | Elective | 3 | Principles of Insurance, Types of Insurance, IRDA, Insurance Contracts, Claims Settlement |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 9001 | Dissertation / Research Project (Major) | Core | 6 | Advanced Research, Thesis Writing, Data Collection, Critical Analysis, Scholarly Presentation |
| LGCF 9002 | Professional Training (Clinical) | Core | 4 | Court Visits, Internship Experience, Legal Practice Skills, Client Counseling, Professional Correspondence |
| LGCR 9001 | Criminal Justice Administration | Specialization | 4 | Police System, Judicial System, Correctional System, Role of Prosecution, Victim Rights |
| LGCR 9002 | Economic Offences | Specialization | 4 | Prevention of Money Laundering Act, FEMA, White-Collar Crimes, Tax Evasion, Corruption |
| LGCF 9003 | Investment Law | Elective | 3 | SEBI Regulations, Stock Market, Mutual Funds, Securities Contracts, Insider Trading |
| LGCF 9004 | Mergers & Acquisitions | Elective | 3 | M&A Strategies, Regulatory Framework, Due Diligence, Valuation, Competition Law aspects |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGCF 10001 | Entrepreneurship for Lawyers | Core | 3 | Legal Startups, Business Plans, Funding for Legal Ventures, Marketing Legal Services, Law Firm Management |
| LGCF 10002 | Intellectual Property Rights (Clinical) | Core | 4 | IPR Registration, Enforcement of Rights, Litigation in IPR, Licensing, Technology Transfer |
| LGCR 10001 | Juvenile Justice & Delinquency | Specialization | 4 | Juvenile Justice Act, Child Rights, Child Protection, Juvenile Courts, Rehabilitation of Juveniles |
| LGCR 10002 | Drug & Narcotic Laws | Specialization | 4 | NDPS Act, Drug Trafficking, International Drug Control Conventions, Enforcement Agencies, Rehabilitation |
| LGCF 10003 | International Trade Law | Elective | 3 | WTO, GATT, TRIPS, Customs Law, Export-Import Regulations |
| LGCF 10004 | Project Management | Elective | 3 | Project Planning, Execution, Monitoring, Legal Project Management, Risk Management |
