Author: Rishima Rawat
Law is a dynamic field. There are constant developments almost every day. These are not just limited to the amendments in laws and regulations. But the field itself experiences constant changes with respect to the subject. While we update our knowledge of the latest legal developments, we often fail to upgrade our skills. If you wish to make a career in criminal law, a piece of general knowledge about various offences will limit your chances of becoming a good lawyer. To work with the best criminal lawyers and make a good impression, you have to be prepared with an additional skill set that will set you apart from others. Law schools teach you only the basics of substantive and procedural criminal law. They have to cover the entire subject in one or two semesters. So they teach some portions and leave out the rest. This does not mean that those remaining portions are not important. The smart thing to do here is to learn about them yourself rather than giving the excuse, “We were not taught about this in law school.”
How can you learn more about criminal law?
Enhelion offers some in-depth online courses on criminal law. These cover the traditional as well as new and current subjects. The courses are self-paced so you can complete them as per your convenience. They are certified by lawyers and law firms working in the field. You get to learn directly from the practitioners. The top performers are given a chance to train with them as interns.
Here is a list of criminal law online courses that will give you an edge over others.
1. Certificate on Indian Penal Code (IPC)
IPC is the first law that is invoked when an offence is committed. It the the main substantive criminal law that defines all the offences and prescribes punishments for them. This certificate course explains all the chapters of the IPC. It covers the necessary ingredients of offences and explains criminal law concepts with the help of case laws.
2. Certificate on Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
After the offence has been identified, it has to be investigated, tried in court and the guilty have to be punished. How this process will be conducted in explained in the CrPC. It is the procedural code that details every procedure involved right from the investigation stage to the trial and sentencing stage. In this course, you will learn how the police investigates a case, how the court takes cognizance of the offence, frames charges, how the accused and victim are to be treated and every other procedural aspect relating to criminal law in India.
3. Certificate on the Law of Evidence
Completing the body of criminal law in India is the law of evidence. It is detailed in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. We know that evidence is required to prove that the offence has been committed by the accused. But not everything can be admitted as evidence in a court. The Evidence Act contains what qualifies as evidence and sets certain rules regarding its admissibility. This course explains all the chapters of the act. It discusses the important points of all the sections along with illustrations and case laws.
Any situation dealing with a crime involves the interplay between substantive and procedural law. What is the offence that is committed? How will the investigation and trial be conducted? What is the evidence and will it admissible in court? All these questions cover both the substance and procedure of law. This online diploma course combines both these branches of law to give you a holistic understanding of criminal law in India. It covers the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act. In this course, you will learn how these three major laws work in tandem and shape the criminal justice system in the country. It is taught by highly experienced faculty. The evaluation includes two MCQ tests and two project assignments.
5. Certificate Course on White Collar Crimes and Financial Frauds
Money laundering, bank fraud, bribery, insider trading, corruption- we have been hearing these terms for quite some time now. They fall under the category of white-collar crimes. The recent rise in economic offences compelled the government to introduce special legislation to deal with them. So while we may know what happened and who is involved, it is important, as law students, to understand the legal nuances of these offences. It is equally important for legal professionals to have knowledge of how the law handles white-collar crimes and economic offences. This course, in association with Atharva Legal LLP, is designed to do just that. It explains white-collar crimes and the international and national legal and regulatory frameworks that are in place to deal with them.
6. Certificate Course in Preventing Sexual Harassment at Workplace
A safe workplace is the right of every employee. It is not only beneficial for the employees but also the employers. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was enacted in 2013. It lists the obligations of employers to deal with the issue of workplace sexual harassment. Despite the law being in place for so long, there are many organizations that do not have the mandated safeguards and agencies in place. This reflects a clear lack in the implementation of the legislation. It took a global movement to bring attention to this menace that has been prevalent for far too long. Even then, many workplaces lack the prescribed institutional support. It has become even more important today for students and lawyers to understand this law and help organizations implement it. In this course, you will learn how the law requires an organization to record a complaint and investigate it. It also has separate modules on personal conduct and anti-sexual harassment training. Once you know this subject, you can even have a career as a consultant in this field and help make workplaces safer.
7. Diploma in International Humanitarian Law
Civilian casualties in a warzone, countries attacking each other, treatment of prisoners of war- are these situations governed by any branch of law? Yes. It is called International Humanitarian Law that deals with international armed conflict. It is a set of rules that are to be observed by parties engaged in armed conflict. It aims to protect civilians and those people who are not a part of the hostilities. For example, journalists who cover wars or medical professionals who are there to provide aid to the injured. This online diploma gives you detailed information about the development of international humanitarian law, its application and war crimes and tribunals. It is an important subject insofar as international politics and events are concerned. As students, it will give you a perspective on global issues and how the international community deals with them.
Conclusion
These are some of the courses that will help you build additional skills. They are self-paced and taught by industry practitioners. They will help you to understand the current issues in the subject in a better manner and give you a legal perspective. Recruiters are always looking for people who can add value to the job. With more knowledge through online courses at your behest, you can demonstrate a higher level of learning and understanding compared to your peers.