This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
In this module we study the main principles, key institutions, policies and politics of transnational criminal law. We explore selected examples of transnational offending and international legal responses thereto in the light of current theoretical, political and doctrinal debates. We consider transnational crimes and the mechanisms by which states cooperate with each other and with international institutions in order to enforce their domestic criminal law. Some of the key debates considered include: the nature of transnational criminal law as an emerging regime; the relationship between human rights and transnational criminal law; the role of the United Nations Security Council in transnational criminal law and critically the role of the individual in the transnational criminal legal system.
Total study hours: 200
Contact hours: 20
Private study hours: 180
LLM in (Specialisation); LLM in Law; PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law
Main assessment methods
The module will be assessed by 100% coursework as follows:
Essay, of no more than 5,000 words (100%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
• Aas, Globalisation and Crime (Sage, 2013)
• Albanese and Reichel, Transnational Organised Crime: An Overview from 6 countries (2014)
• Anderson, Policing the world: Interpol and the politics of international police cooperation (OUP 1989)
• Boister, An Introduction to Transnational Criminal Law (OUP, 2012)
• Boister and Curry, Routledge Handbook of Transnational Criminal Law (2015)
• Hufnagel, Bronnit and Harfield, Cross Border Law Enforcement: regional law enforcement cooperation – European, Australian and Asia-
Pacific Perspectives (Routledge, 2012)
• Obokata, Transnational Organised Crime in International Law (Hart, 2010)
• Reichel and Albanese, Handbook of Transnational Crime and Justice (Sage, 2013).
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, principles of, and policy considerations surrounding
transnational criminal law through a study of selected areas of transnational criminal law;
2. Critically assess controversial issues or case studies of transnational criminal law in the light of key theoretical and academic
perspectives;
3. Critique, current theoretical, political or doctrinal debates in transnational criminal law;
4. Demonstrate comprehensive research into specific issues of transnational criminal law and formulate arguments based on this research
into a reasoned opinion.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Apply and critically evaluate the operation of law in a range of situations according to their context.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive research skills in gathering, summarising and evaluating relevant and complex information and key sources
by electronic or other means;
3. Formulate written arguments concerning areas of controversy and present a reasoned and critical opinion;
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of present knowledge.
Stage 1
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
