Criminal law pedagogy and the Australian state codes

This chapter discusses the nature of the Griffith Code before examining how the distinct features profoundly influence the criminal law pedagogy in code states. In Australia, there are two criminal law traditions: the state criminal codes and the common law. Sir Samuel Griffith drafted the first of the state criminal codes for Queensland in 1897, and this has proven influential in the development of others. This Code has made a unique contribution to criminal law jurisprudence, and although in many ways the Griffith Code may be regarded as not so different from the consolidation Acts found in the Australian common law jurisdictions, there are some key differences. The Code aims to be an organised, systematic presentation of the main aspects of criminal law, which includes the principles of criminal responsibility, not only specific offences. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the relevance of the teaching practices for common law jurisdictions.