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BBA-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 focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of the Indian criminal justice system, its intricacies, and contemporary challenges. It delves into substantive and procedural criminal law, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for navigating the complex landscape of crime and justice in India. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for specialized legal professionals in prosecution, defense, and related fields.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a strong academic record and a keen interest in litigation, public service, and social justice. It particularly appeals to those aspiring for careers as public prosecutors, defense lawyers, judicial officers, or legal advisors to law enforcement agencies. Individuals passionate about human rights, forensic science, and the ethical dimensions of criminal justice will find this specialization highly rewarding and impactful.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles as public prosecutors, defense counsels in district and high courts, legal officers in police and investigative agencies, and judicial service aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 10-25+ LPA in litigation or corporate criminal defense. The specialization also prepares students for roles in NGOs working on victim rights and criminal justice reform.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Legal Fundamentals and Research- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on foundational legal subjects, constitutional law, and legal methods. Develop robust legal research skills using Indian legal databases like Manupatra and SCC Online. Actively participate in classroom discussions and seek clarification on complex concepts early on.
Tools & Resources
Manupatra, SCC Online, IndianKanoon, NPTEL Legal Courses
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures a deep understanding of core legal principles, critical for success in all advanced law subjects and future legal practice.
Cultivate Effective Communication and Advocacy- (Semester 1-2)
Join debate clubs, moot court introductory sessions, and public speaking groups. Practice articulating legal arguments clearly and persuasively. Engage in peer learning groups to discuss case studies and prepare for presentations.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (local chapters), UPES Debate Society
Career Connection
Exceptional communication skills are paramount for a lawyer, crucial for court appearances, client counseling, and professional networking, directly impacting placement and career growth.
Build a Strong Academic Record and Network- (Semester 1-2)
Aim for academic excellence, as strong grades are vital for internships and higher studies. Attend guest lectures by judges, advocates, and police officers to gain insights and network with legal luminaries. Join student committees related to law and justice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences and workshops
Career Connection
A high CGPA opens doors to prestigious internships and scholarships, while early networking can provide mentorship and future job opportunities in the legal fraternity.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Application and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek internships with district court advocates, public prosecutors, or police departments during breaks. Focus on understanding court procedures, client interaction, and basic drafting. Shadow experienced legal professionals to learn practical aspects of criminal law.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LawSikho, Local bar associations
Career Connection
Practical exposure bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, making students more job-ready and enhancing their CVs for placements.
Specialize through Electives and Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Begin exploring Criminal Law specialization electives diligently. Undertake research projects or term papers specifically on criminal justice topics (e.g., cybercrime, victim rights, forensic evidence) to deepen knowledge and demonstrate interest.
Tools & Resources
University Research Centers, Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
Focused specialization makes you a desirable candidate for roles requiring specific expertise in criminal law, enhancing your market value and alignment with career goals.
Participate in Moot Court Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in internal and national moot court competitions, focusing on criminal law propositions. This develops advanced legal research, analytical thinking, and persuasive argumentation skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Mooting Societies, Legal Aid Clinics
Career Connection
Mooting experience is highly valued by recruiters in litigation and judicial services, showcasing practical advocacy skills and competitive spirit, directly improving placement prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Specialization and Clinical Exposure- (Semester 6-8)
Focus on advanced criminal law electives like International Criminal Law, Forensic Psychiatry, and Socio-Economic Offences. Maximize participation in legal aid clinics and externships with criminal defense lawyers or public prosecutors to gain direct client exposure and trial experience.
Tools & Resources
UPES Legal Aid Clinic, NGOs working in criminal justice
Career Connection
Deep clinical exposure and advanced specialization make graduates exceptionally competent for specialized roles in criminal litigation, judicial services, and law enforcement agencies, facilitating targeted placements.
Prepare for Judicial and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Begin structured preparation for judicial service examinations (PCS-J) or public prosecutor exams. Attend workshops on judicial exam patterns, practice answer writing, and join specialized coaching if needed. Focus on comprehensive revision of core and criminal law subjects.
Tools & Resources
LegalEdge Tutorials, Rau''''s IAS Study Circle (for competitive exams)
Career Connection
Early and focused preparation for competitive exams opens doors to prestigious public service roles, ensuring a stable and impactful career path in the Indian legal system.
Develop Professional Portfolio and Network Strategically- (Semester 6-8)
Compile a professional portfolio including academic achievements, internships, moot court awards, research papers, and legal aid work. Attend national legal conferences, webinars, and workshops to network with senior advocates, judges, and legal recruiters in criminal law.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Bar Council events, Professional Legal Forums
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and robust professional network are invaluable for securing high-quality placements, mentorship, and future career advancement in the competitive legal industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in Class X and XII. CLAT/LSAT scores or ULSAT (UPES Law Studies Aptitude Test) for admission.
Duration: 5 years / 10 semesters
Credits: 200 (Estimated based on typical 5-year integrated law programs; exact figure for 2024-25 not explicitly stated in public documents) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Inferred as typical for UPES and Indian universities), External: 50% (Inferred as typical for UPES and Indian universities)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB101 | Legal Methods | Core | 4 | Introduction to Law, Sources of Law, Legal Reasoning, Statutory Interpretation, Case Analysis |
| BBALB102 | Law of Contract-I | Core | 4 | Offer and Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity to Contract, Free Consent, Legality of Object |
| BBALB103 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Demand and Supply Analysis, Cost and Production Analysis, Market Structures, Pricing Strategies, Business Cycles |
| BBALB104 | English and Communication Skills | Core | 3 | Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading and Writing Skills, Business Communication, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication |
| BBALB105 | Sociology-I | Core | 3 | Basic Sociological Concepts, Social Institutions, Culture and Society, Socialization, Theories of Society |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB201 | Law of Contract-II | Core | 4 | Contingent and Quasi Contracts, Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment and Pledge, Agency, Remedies for Breach of Contract |
| BBALB202 | Constitutional Law-I | Core | 4 | Preamble and Basic Structure, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Citizenship, Union and State Legislature |
| BBALB203 | Financial Accounting | Core | 3 | Accounting Principles, Journal and Ledger, Trial Balance, Final Accounts, Financial Statement Analysis |
| BBALB204 | Political Science-I | Core | 3 | Theories of State, Forms of Government, Democracy and its Models, Sovereignty, Rights and Duties |
| BBALB205 | Legal Research and Writing | Core | 3 | Research Methodologies, Primary and Secondary Sources, Citation Formats, Legal Drafting, Plagiarism and Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB301 | Constitutional Law-II | Core | 4 | Union and State Executive, Judiciary, Centre-State Relations, Emergency Provisions, Constitutional Amendment |
| BBALB302 | Law of Torts and Consumer Protection | Core | 4 | General Principles of Torts, Defenses to Torts, Specific Torts (Negligence, Defamation), Motor Accident Claims, Consumer Protection Act |
| BBALB303 | Business Statistics | Core | 3 | Data Collection and Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency, Probability, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis |
| BBALB304 | Organizational Behaviour | Core | 3 | Foundations of OB, Personality and Perception, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Group Dynamics |
| BBALB305 | Professional Ethics and Accountancy for Lawyers | Core | 3 | Bar Council of India Rules, Professional Misconduct, Contempt of Court, Client Relationship, Basic Legal Accounting |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB401 | Family Law-I (Hindu Law) | Core | 4 | Sources of Hindu Law, Marriage and Divorce, Adoption and Maintenance, Guardianship, Hindu Succession Act |
| BBALB402 | Criminal Law-I (Indian Penal Code) | Core | 4 | Elements of Crime, General Explanations, General Defenses, Offences against Human Body, Offences against Property |
| BBALB403 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Principles of Natural Justice, Delegated Legislation, Judicial Review of Administrative Action, Administrative Tribunals, Ombudsman |
| BBALB404 | Company Law-I | Core | 3 | Incorporation of Company, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Shares and Debentures, Company Meetings, Promoters and Prospectus |
| BBALB405 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Compensation Management |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB501 | Family Law-II (Muslim Law & Special Marriages) | Core | 4 | Sources of Muslim Law, Marriage (Nikah) and Dower (Mahr), Dissolution of Marriage (Talaq, Khula), Guardianship and Maintenance, Waqfs and Gifts |
| BBALB502 | Criminal Law-II (Indian Penal Code) | Core | 4 | Offences against Public Tranquility, Offences relating to Elections, Offences against Marriage, Defamation, Criminal Intimidation and Conspiracy |
| BBALB503 | Jurisprudence | Core | 4 | Schools of Jurisprudence, Sources of Law (Custom, Precedent, Legislation), Rights and Duties, Ownership and Possession, Legal Personality |
| BBALB504 | Civil Procedure Code-I | Core | 4 | Jurisdiction of Courts, Res Sub Judice and Res Judicata, Parties to Suit, Pleadings (Plaint, Written Statement), Summons and Appearance |
| BBALB505 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Concepts and Environment, Market Segmentation, Product Life Cycle, Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Distribution |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB601 | Law of Evidence | Core | 4 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissions and Confessions, Dying Declaration, Witness Examination, Burden of Proof |
| BBALB602 | Criminal Procedure Code-I | Core | 4 | Constitution of Criminal Courts, Arrest, Search and Seizure, First Information Report (FIR), Investigation Procedure, Bail Provisions |
| BBALB603 | Property Law | Core | 4 | Transfer of Property Act, Sale and Mortgage, Lease and Gift, Easements Act, Doctrine of Lis Pendens |
| BBALB604 | Company Law-II | Core | 3 | Management and Administration of Company, Directors: Appointment, Powers, Duties, Prevention of Oppression and Mismanagement, Winding Up of Companies, Corporate Governance |
| BBALB605 | Environmental Law | Core | 3 | Concept of Environment and Pollution, Constitutional Provisions for Environmental Protection, Water and Air Pollution Acts, Wildlife and Forest Protection, International Environmental Law |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB701 | Criminal Procedure Code-II | Core | 4 | Trial Procedures (Summons, Warrant, Sessions), Charge and Joinder of Charges, Sentencing Policy, Appeals, Revision, Reference, Plea Bargaining |
| BBALB7CR01 | Criminology and Penology | Specialization Elective | 4 | Theories of Crime Causation, Schools of Criminology, Victimology and Victim Assistance, Forms of Punishment, Prison Administration and Reforms, Juvenile Delinquency |
| BBALB7CR02 | Forensic Science and Law | Specialization Elective | 4 | Introduction to Forensic Science, Fingerprints and DNA Evidence, Ballistics and Toxicology, Questioned Documents, Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry |
| BBALB703 | Investment and Securities Law | Core | 3 | SEBI Act 1992, Securities Contracts Regulation Act, Depositories Act, Insider Trading Regulations, Capital Market Regulations |
| BBALB704 | Labour Law-I | Core | 3 | Trade Unions Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Standing Orders Act, Collective Bargaining, Workers Participation in Management |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB8CR01 | Cyber Crimes and Law | Specialization Elective | 4 | Information Technology Act 2000, Types of Cyber Crimes (Hacking, Phishing, Cyber Terrorism), Digital Signatures and Electronic Governance, Data Protection and Privacy, Cyber Forensics and Investigation |
| BBALB8CR02 | International Criminal Law | Specialization Elective | 4 | International Criminal Court (ICC), Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes and Genocide, Jurisdiction in International Criminal Law, Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance |
| BBALB8CR03 | Criminal Justice Administration | Specialization Elective | 4 | Police System in India, Judicial System and Role of Prosecutors, Correctional Services and Probation, Role of NGOs in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Reforms |
| BBALB801 | Interpretation of Statutes | Core | 3 | Rules of Interpretation (Literal, Mischief, Golden), Presumptions in Interpretation, Internal and External Aids to Interpretation, Interpretation of Taxing and Penal Statutes, Constitutional Interpretation |
| BBALB802 | Law of Banking and Negotiable Instruments | Core | 3 | Banking Regulation Act, Reserve Bank of India Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Cheque Bounce Cases, Types of Banks and Banking Operations |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB9CL01 | Drafting, Pleading and Conveyancing | Clinical | 4 | General Principles of Drafting, Drafting of Plaint and Written Statement, Drafting of Petitions and Applications, Conveyancing (Sale Deed, Lease Deed, Mortgage Deed), Affidavits and Legal Notices |
| BBALB9CL02 | Moot Court Exercise | Clinical | 4 | Court Etiquettes and Advocacy Skills, Preparation of Memorials, Oral Argumentation Techniques, Research for Moot Problems, Case Presentation |
| BBALB9CR01 | Socio-Economic Offences | Specialization Elective | 4 | Corruption and Prevention of Corruption Act, Money Laundering and PMLA, Smuggling and FEMA, Food Adulteration, White Collar Crimes |
| BBALB9CR02 | Victimology and Victim Justice | Specialization Elective | 4 | Rights of Victims in Criminal Justice, Victim Compensation Schemes, Witness Protection Programs, Restorative Justice, International Perspectives on Victim Rights |
| BBALB901 | Law of Taxation-I | Core | 3 | Income Tax Act, 1961: Basic Concepts, Residential Status, Heads of Income, Deductions from Gross Total Income, Assessment Procedures |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBALB10CL01 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | Clinical | 4 | Arbitration and Conciliation, Mediation and Negotiation, Lok Adalat, Plea Bargaining, ADR Institutions in India |
| BBALB10CL02 | Professional Ethics and Bar-Bench Relations | Clinical | 4 | Advocates Act, 1961, Duties of an Advocate to Court, Client, Opponent, Bar Council of India Rules on Professional Conduct, Bar-Bench Relationship, Ethics in Legal Profession |
| BBALB10PRJ | Dissertation/Project | Project | 6 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Analysis (Qualitative/Quantitative), Thesis Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce on a criminal law topic |
| BBALB10CR01 | Comparative Criminal Justice System | Specialization Elective | 4 | Indian Criminal Justice System, US Criminal Justice System, UK Criminal Justice System, Adversarial vs. Inquisitorial Systems, Global Criminal Justice Reforms |
| BBALB10CR02 | Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology | Specialization Elective | 4 | Mental Health Law and Criminal Responsibility, Insanity Defense, Psychological Profiling, Expert Testimony in Court, Assessment of Competency |
