Active learning ideas
Property offences form a core part of the criminal law syllabus, focusing primarily on the Theft Act 1968. Students examine the five elements of theft: the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive. This requires a precise understanding of statutory definitions and how they have been interpreted by the courts over decades.
Activity 01
Students act out short scenarios in a shop, such as switching price tags or putting an item in a pocket. The class must shout 'Stop!' at the exact moment an appropriation occurs according to the decision in R v Pitham and Hehl, discussing why that specific action counts.
How does the Theft Act 1968 define appropriation?
Activity 02
Groups are given scenarios involving questionable financial gains, such as finding a £20 note or keeping extra change from a supermarket. They must apply the two-stage Ivey test to determine if the person was dishonest by the standards of ordinary decent people.
What is the current legal test for dishonesty?
Activity 03
Students analyze a scenario where a person snatches a bag from a shoulder. They must decide if the force used was sufficient to constitute robbery under the Theft Act 1968, comparing their reasoning with a partner before checking the case of R v Dawson and James.
How does the offence of robbery differ from theft?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
You can't steal something if the owner gives it to you.
Following R v Hinks, an appropriation can occur even if the victim consents to the transfer of property, especially if the defendant is acting dishonestly. Using role play to simulate 'gifts' from vulnerable people helps students understand this counter-intuitive legal principle.
Dishonesty is whatever the defendant thinks is right.
The old Ghosh test had a subjective element, but the current Ivey test is objective. It asks if the conduct was dishonest by the standards of ordinary decent people. Peer-led 'jury' discussions help students apply this community standard effectively.
Methods used in this brief
Murder and Voluntary Manslaughter
An examination of the actus reus and mens rea of murder, alongside the partial defences of loss of control and diminished responsibility.
8 methodologies
Involuntary Manslaughter
Analysis of unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, focusing on key precedents and duty of care.
8 methodologies