Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
General part
Understand the principle of legality (no punishment without a defined offense), the structure of an offense: actus reus (conduct, circumstances, result) and mens rea (intent, recklessness, negligence). Know the defenses: insanity, automatism, intoxication (voluntary intoxication generally does not excuse), mistake of fact vs. mistake of law, necessity, duress, and self-defense (proportionality and immediacy). Trap: attempt requires a "beginning of execution," not mere preparation; impossibility may still be punishable if the act was objectively dangerous.
Specific offenses
Focus on homicide (murder vs. manslaughter vs. causing death by negligence), theft and robbery, fraud, assault, and sexual offenses. Know the rules on complicity: perpetrator, inciter, and aider, and the doctrine of "innocent agent."
Procedure
Know arrest powers, the right to counsel, the caution, detention and extension hearings, indictment and arraignment, plea bargaining, and the rules on evidence obtained unlawfully (the discretion to exclude). Understand the presumption of innocence and the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. Trap: procedural time limits for detention are strict; a violation may taint the evidence.
Worked rule of thumb
For any offense question, build a table: actus reus elements, mens rea for each, defenses raised, and whether the conduct is at attempt or completion stage.