Unit 1: Beyond reasonable doubt

6 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How are criminal offences investigated, and what powers do Queensland police have?

criminal investigation processes and police powers in Queensland

Police powers under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld). Covers search, arrest, detention, the right to silence, and the bail decision under the Bail Act 1980 (Qld).

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How are crimes categorised in Queensland, and how does strict liability fit in?

the categories of crime in Queensland, including offences against the person, against property, against the state, drug, traffic, public order, and the special category of strict liability offences

Categories of crime in Queensland. Covers offences under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld), and the special category of strict liability offences.

4 min read →

How does a criminal trial proceed in Queensland, and what is the role of the jury?

the criminal trial process and the role of the jury in Queensland

Criminal trial process in Queensland. Covers the court hierarchy, the adversarial system, the stages of a trial on indictment, the role and composition of juries under the Jury Act 1995 (Qld), and the standard of proof.

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What must the prosecution prove to convict an accused person of a criminal offence in Queensland?

the elements of a criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), including actus reus and mens rea

Elements of a criminal offence in Queensland. Covers actus reus, mens rea, the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) s 23 (intention, motive and accident) and s 24 (mistake of fact), and the standard of proof.

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How are offenders sentenced in Queensland, and what purposes does punishment serve?

the purposes of sentencing and the types of penalties available under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld)

Sentencing in Queensland. Covers the five purposes of punishment, the sentencing factors and penalty types under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld), youth sentencing, and mitigating and aggravating factors.

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What defences can an accused person raise to a criminal charge in Queensland?

the defences available to an accused person under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), including self-defence, provocation, mistake of fact and insanity

Criminal defences in Queensland. Covers the distinction between complete and partial defences, self-defence, provocation, mistake of fact and insanity under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), and where the burden of proof lies.

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