Law

Anti-Corruption Law and Practice

Module code: M3037
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

This module provides an introduction to the rapidly developing new discipline of corruption studies, both from a criminal justice and human rights perspective as well as an emphasis on the practical application of legal rules. You’ll examine the scope of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly on prevention and criminalisation where it requires state parties to prohibit the most predominant forms of corruption.

This will allow you to analyse some preventive and implementation measures which have been adopted by States Parties, and reflect on the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism of the UNCAC.

You’ll also consider the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption as a regional anti-corruption instrument in the Council of Europe. This will provide you with some analysis about the operation of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), and the way in which GRECO identifies deficiencies in national anti-corruption policies.

You’ll also look at anti-corruption efforts pursued by the UN human rights mechanisms, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Human Rights Committee to promote the enjoyment of human rights.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of theoretical debates and practical issues concerning the study of Anti-Corruption
• Demonstrate a coherent and detailed knowledge of major critiques on the law enforcement and human rights-based responses in preventing and prosecuting corrupted activities
• Critically evaluate challenges towards anti-corruption international legal regimes
• Carry out a piece of independent research into corruption.