Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Criminal Procedure. General Part
Course Code
JF_490
Branch of Science
Law
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Juridical Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Sandra Kaija
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To acquire general knowledge of criminal procedure law, develop the skills to analyse, assess and apply criminal procedural legal norms, and build competence in the field of criminal procedure law necessary for the application of professional knowledge and skills characteristic of the legal profession.
Preliminary Knowledge
Criminal law. General Part, Legal Theory.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.The student identifies and describes the concept, purpose, structure, sources and basic principles of criminal proceedings. Verification: examination - theoretical part.
Individual work and tests
Examination
2.The student describes the procedural status, rights and obligations of persons involved in criminal proceedings, as well as the means of special procedural protection. Verification: examination - theoretical part.
Individual work and tests
Examination
3.The student describes the legal regulation of evidence and proof, investigative actions, procedural coercive measures, procedural deadlines and documents, as well as property issues in criminal proceedings. Assessment: examination - theoretical part.
Individual work and tests
Examination
Skills
1.The student analyses and interprets the norms of criminal procedural law and evaluates their application in specific legal situations. Assessment: practical work – analysis of a case.
Individual work and tests
Individual work
2.The student analyses and evaluates evidence, the preconditions for the application of investigative actions and procedural coercive measures. Assessment: practical work – case analysis.
Individual work and tests
Individual work
3.The student formulates and argues a legal solution in a specific criminal procedural situation, using appropriate legal terminology. Assessment: Final Paper (homework).
Individual work and tests
Individual work
Competences
1.The student independently applies provisions of criminal procedural law to specific legal situations, integrates legal provisions, case law and factual circumstances, makes well-reasoned decisions, and drafts a procedural document. Assessment: examination – practical part.
Individual work and tests
Examination • Individual work
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
40.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
To successfully complete the course, the student must master the theoretical content of the course, complete the tasks assigned during practical classes, complete and submit the independent assignments, complete the home assignment, and successfully pass the final examination. The final grade is based on the weighted assessment of three assessment components: Independent assignments – 20% of the final grade. The student independently completes assignments specified by the instructor in the field of criminal procedural law, analysing legal provisions, case law, and specific legal situations. The assignments are completed in writing and should be 2–4 pages in length, unless otherwise specified in the assignment instructions. The assignments must be submitted via the e-studies platform by the deadline specified by the instructor, but no later than before the beginning of the relevant practical class. The assessment focuses on the student’s ability to select and use relevant legal information, interpret and apply legal provisions, provide well-founded legal arguments, formulate logical conclusions, and use appropriate legal terminology. Related learning outcomes: knowledge of the legal framework of criminal procedural law and the ability to analyse and interpret provisions of criminal procedural law, as well as to use legislation and case law. Home assignment – 20% of the final grade. The student independently completes assignments specified by the instructor in the field of criminal procedural law. The assignment should be 5–7 pages in length, unless otherwise specified in the assignment instructions. The assignment must be submitted via the e-studies platform by the deadline specified by the instructor. The student identifies legally relevant factual circumstances, determines the applicable legal provisions, analyses their application, and provides a reasoned justification for the chosen legal solution. Depending on the assignment, the work may also include drafting a procedural document. The assessment focuses on the accuracy of applying legal provisions, the quality of legal reasoning, the soundness of the proposed solution, the use of legislation and case law, and the ability to independently resolve problems in criminal procedural law. The grade is awarded provided that the assignment has been submitted and the student is able to substantiate the proposed solution during the practical class. Related learning outcome: the ability to formulate and substantiate a legal solution in a specific criminal procedural situation. In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
60.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Examination – 60% of the final grade. The examination consists of two parts – a theoretical part and a practical part. The theoretical part assesses the student’s knowledge and understanding of the criminal procedural law issues covered in the course. In the practical part, the student solves a case study by identifying the legally relevant factual circumstances, determining the applicable provisions of criminal procedural law, analysing their application, and providing a reasoned justification for the legal solution. Each part of the examination is graded on a 10-point scale. A single overall examination grade is awarded, calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained for the two parts. To pass the examination, the student must obtain at least 4 points in each part of the examination. The student is entitled to take the examination only after completing the mandatory practical class assignments and submitting the home assignment. Related learning outcomes: knowledge of the fundamental concepts, principles and legal framework of criminal procedural law, as well as the competence to independently apply provisions of criminal procedural law to specific legal situations, integrate legal provisions, case law and factual circumstances, make well-reasoned decisions. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Persons involved in criminal proceedings: officials conducting criminal proceedings; persons exercising defence; the victim and their representatives; other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Persons involved in criminal proceedings: officials conducting criminal proceedings; persons exercising defence; the victim and their representatives; other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Persons involved in criminal proceedings: officials conducting criminal proceedings; persons exercising defence; the victim and their representatives; other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Persons involved in criminal proceedings: officials conducting criminal proceedings; persons exercising defence; the victim and their representatives; other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Special procedural protection.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Special procedural protection.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Investigation activities.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Investigation activities.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Investigation activities.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Investigation activities.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Time limits and documents in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Time limits and documents in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Time limits and documents in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept, purpose and structure of criminal procedure. Sources of criminal procedure law. Basic principles of criminal procedure, understanding thereof.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Persons involved in criminal proceedings: officials conducting criminal proceedings; persons exercising defence; the victim and their representatives; other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Special procedural protection.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Proof and evidence in criminal proceedings.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedural coercive measures in criminal proceedings, types of procedural coercive measures, grounds and procedures for the application, modification and revocation of procedural coercive measures.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Material issues in criminal proceedings: compensation to the victim; dealing with the proceeds of crime; attachment; procedural expenses.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
20 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Latvijas tiesību sistēma. Kolektīva monogrāfija. Rīga: Turība, 2017. Sadaļa - Kriminālprocesa tiesības (autori S.Kaija, J.Juriss).
2.
Kriminālprocesa likuma komentāri A daļa Kristīnes Stradas-Rozenbergas zinātniskā redakcijā. Rīga Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2019.
3.
Kriminālprocesa likums. Latvijas Vēstnesis, 74 (3232), 11.05.2005., "Ziņotājs", 11, 09.06.2005.
4.
Latvijas kriminālprocess 20 gados: tiesību attīstība starp stabilitāti un reformām. Likuma, prakses un doktrīnas krustpunkti, Rīga: LU akadēmiskais apgāds, 2026
Additional Reading
1.
Jämsä, Jurkka Fair trial rules of evidence : the case law of the European Court of Human Rights / Abingdon, Oxon [UK] ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2023.
2.
McGourlay, Claire Evidence : law and context / London ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2024.
3.
• Signorelli, Walter P. Criminal law, procedure, and evidence / New York, NY ; London : Routledge, 2024.
4.
Cuppini, Alessandra The participation of victims in international criminal proceedings : an expressivist justice model / Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2023.
Other Information Sources
1.
Žurnāls Jurista Vārds
2.
Augstākās tiesas mājas lapā - sadaļas Resursi/Pētījumi un Judikatūra
3.
Socrates. Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Juridiskās fakultātes elektroniskais juridisko zinātnisko rakstu žurnāls