Comparative Criminal Law

We will explore a range of issues in criminal law from a comparative perspective, with particular emphasis on US and German criminal law, as representative common law and civil law systems. Topics covered may include theories of punishment, general principles of criminal liability (legality principle, actus reus, mens rea, justifications, excuses, etc.), constitutional criminal law, and selected offenses. The course features guest speakers from various countries and legal systems.   

A comparative approach to law in general, and to criminal law in particular, not only teaches us about other legal systems but also allows us to take a fresh look at our own. More recently, comparative criminal law has attracted new attention as international criminal law attempts to draw on various domestic criminal law systems and the connection between criminal law principles and international human rights law has come into focus.