Criminal law courses can help you learn legal principles, case analysis, courtroom procedures, and the intricacies of criminal liability. You can build skills in legal research, argument formulation, and the application of statutes to real-life situations. Many courses introduce tools such as legal databases, case management software, and document drafting programs, that support conducting thorough legal research and preparing cases effectively.

Case Western Reserve University
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Legal Proceedings, Legal Hearings, Litigation and Civil Justice, International Relations, Legal Strategy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Safety and National Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Case Law, Interactive Learning, Case Studies
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Peking University
Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Social Justice, Legal Proceedings, Civil Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Legal Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Case Law, International Relations, Case Studies
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Investigation, Cybersecurity, Data Integrity, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Data Ethics, Computer Security, Scenario Testing, Technical Communication, Incident Response, Writing, Technical Documentation, Data Analysis Software, File Systems, Artifactory, Microsoft Windows
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Commercial Laws, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Political Sciences, Litigation and Civil Justice, Legal Research, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Case Studies, Governance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Vanderbilt University
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Social Justice, Legal Proceedings, Social Sciences, Policy Analysis, Disabilities, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cultural Diversity, Case Studies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Blood Collection, Investigation, Case Studies, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Laboratory Testing, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Deductive Reasoning, Estimation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Civil Law, Legal Proceedings, Litigation and Civil Justice, Property and Real Estate, Economics, Technology Strategies, Compensation Management, Case Studies
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Mobile Security, Anomaly Detection, AI Security, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Cyber Security Strategy, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Detection, Investigation, Cyber Attacks, File Systems, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Fraud detection, Mobile Development, Cybersecurity, Applied Machine Learning, Malware Protection, Cyber Security Policies, Apple iOS, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Brand Awareness, Legal Strategy, Brand Management, Asset Protection, Case Law, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Packaging and Labeling, Case Studies, Asset Management, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Marketing, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Business Strategy, Business Valuation, Creativity, Legal Risk, Strategic Planning, Planning
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Cambridge
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Laboratory Testing, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Specimen Collection, Scientific Methods, Medical Science and Research, General Science and Research, Data Collection, Case Studies, Biology, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Proceedings, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Policy Analysis, Case Studies, Learning Strategies, Economics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Lund University
Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Legal Writing, Labor Law, Arbitration, Environmental Laws, Case Law, Legal Research, Labor Relations, Tax, Tax Laws, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Commercial Laws, Business, International Relations, Compliance Management, Competitive Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions, Advocacy, Public Policies
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Criminal law is a branch of law that deals with crimes and their punishments. It is essential because it establishes societal norms and standards, helping to maintain order and protect individuals and property. By defining what constitutes a crime, criminal law serves as a deterrent against unlawful behavior and provides a framework for the prosecution of offenders. Understanding criminal law is crucial for anyone interested in the legal system, as it impacts various aspects of society, including public safety and justice.‎
A variety of career opportunities exist within the field of criminal law. You could pursue roles such as a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, paralegal, or legal consultant. Additionally, positions in law enforcement, such as police officers or detectives, also fall under the umbrella of criminal law. Other potential careers include roles in corrections, such as probation officers or correctional treatment specialists. Each of these positions plays a vital role in the criminal justice system, contributing to the enforcement of laws and the protection of citizens.‎
To succeed in criminal law, you will need a combination of analytical, research, and communication skills. Critical thinking is essential for evaluating cases and formulating legal arguments. Strong writing skills are necessary for drafting legal documents and briefs. Additionally, understanding legal terminology and procedures is crucial. Empathy and interpersonal skills can also be beneficial, especially when dealing with clients or victims. Familiarity with technology, particularly in legal research and case management, is increasingly important in today's legal landscape.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in criminal law. For instance, Hot Topics in Criminal Justice provides insights into current issues and debates within the field. Additionally, the Introduction to International Criminal Law course offers a global perspective on criminal law. These courses can help you build a solid foundation in criminal law principles and practices, making them valuable resources for your learning journey.‎
Yes. You can start learning criminal law on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in criminal law, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning criminal law can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover the fundamentals of criminal law. Reading textbooks and legal articles can also provide valuable insights. Participating in discussions or study groups can enhance your understanding through collaboration. Additionally, seeking internships or volunteer opportunities in legal settings can offer practical experience, allowing you to apply what you‚Äôve learned in real-world scenarios‎
Criminal law courses typically cover a range of topics, including the definition of crimes, the criminal justice process, and the roles of various legal professionals. You may study specific areas such as criminal procedure, evidence, and sentencing. Additionally, courses often explore the impact of criminal law on society, including issues related to justice, ethics, and public policy. This comprehensive approach helps you understand the complexities of criminal law and its application in different contexts.‎
For training and upskilling employees in the field of criminal law, courses like Hot Topics in Criminal Justice can be particularly beneficial. They address current issues and trends that professionals may encounter in their work. Additionally, specialized courses in areas such as AI in Law: Research, Risk, and Legal Drafting Specialization can equip employees with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of legal technology and its implications for criminal law.‎