The general objective of the course/subject is for students to acquire the following competences: 1. Knowledge of criminal guarantees and general rules in order to apply the Criminal Code. 2. Knowledge of the general provisions on offences and misdemeanours/minor offences. 3. Knowledge of the general provisions on penalties and security measures/requirements. 4. Knowledge of the structure of crime theory. 5. Ability to solve case studies related to the aforementioned theoretical knowledge. 6. As a result of the aforementioned knowledge, critical capacity regarding criminal penalties as a method for ensuring coexistence in a state under the social and democratic rule of law.

The program comprises three different blocks: (i) The first block is an introduction to criminal law which deals with positive criminal law, the principles and functions of criminal law and the theory of the protection of legal assets. (ii) The second block addresses issues relating to the principles of criminal law: definition, illegality and guilt. (iii) The third block of theory covers penalties, classes of penalties and rules for the application thereof, theory of the security measures, types of security measures and rules for the application thereof, as well as extinction of the criminal and civil liability derived from criminal offences.

The course content is organised into two types of sessions, theoretical and practical. The core of the programme is explained during theory sessions and regular tutorials, while the issues are analysed from a technical and analytical point of view in practical sessions, which focus on the resolution of case studies. To make the best use of theory sessions, students should study the relevant subject matter prior to each session. Attendance at practical sessions, as for theory sessions, requires the prior reading and study of the materials to be covered that particular week.