Duration
Part 1 : 35h Th, 10h Pr
Part 2 : 15h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Part 1 : Vanessa Franssen
Part 2 : Vanessa Franssen
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course will start with the fundamental notions and principles of general criminal law, of the main sources of Belgian criminal law as well as the rules related to the scope of application of Belgian criminal law through space and time.
Then, the course will present the general theory of criminal liability and analyse in more details the constituent elements of the offence and the rules of criminal liability, for both natural and legal persons. The rules on attempt and accomplice liability will also be rediscussed.
Next, the course will turn to a study of the different sanctions applicable to natural and legal persons, as well as it will analyse more closely the various factors influencing the legal penalties and sentences pronounced by the courts, including different sentencing modalities. Moreover, special attention will be go to the combination of all those rules to concrete cases.
In addition, the rules on the enforcement of sentences and potential obstacles for this enforcement (e.g., the statute of limitations) will be discussed in a transversal manner.
Finally, this course will also present some principles of criminal procedure.
In order to make the theoretical lectures more accessible, the relevance of theoretical notions and rules will be illustrated by means of short exercices and case examples. Furthermore, the lectures will be completed by 10 hours of pratical exercises (see below).
For the content of part 2 of this course, see the page dedicated to DROI1106-B-a.
Part 1
The course will start with the fundamental notions and principles of general criminal law, of the main sources of Belgian criminal law as well as the rules related to the scope of application of Belgian criminal law through space and time.
Then, the course will present the general theory of criminal liability and analyse in more details the constituent elements of the offence and the rules of criminal liability, for both natural and legal persons. The rules on punishable attempt and accomplice liability will also be rediscussed.
Next, the course will turn to a study of the different sanctions applicable to natural and legal persons, as well as it will analyse more closely the various factors influencing the legal penalties and sentences pronounced by the courts, including different sentencing modalities. Moreover, special attention will be go to the combination of all those rules, using concrete cases.
In addition, the rules on the enforcement of sentences and potential obstacles for this enforcement (e.g., the statute of limitations) will be discussed in a transversal manner.
Finally, this course will also present some principles of criminal procedure and its main actors/participants.
In order to make the theoretical lectures more accessible, the relevance of theoretical notions and rules will be illustrated by means of short exercices and case examples. Furthermore, the lectures will be completed by 10 hours of pratical exercises (see below).
Part 2
This course is designed as an advanced course on general criminal law and will build upon the knowledge that has been acquired in the first part of the course (DROI1106-A-a, partim 1).
It will provide a more in-depth analysis of certain topics included in the first part of the cours, such as corporate criminal liability. This part of the theory will be further analysed based on case law examples and the Belgian regime will be compared to the applicable European legal framework on the matter. Moreover, the penal sanctions applicable to legal persons will also be examined.
This advanced course will also investigate so-called "quasi-criminal law", characterised by administrative sanctions aiming at prevention and repression, and the legal regime applicable to such sanctions.
In addition, students will study in more detail certain rules on the enforcement of sentences as well as the sanctions enforcement investigation, striving to better enforce pecuniary sanctions.
Finally, this advanced course will also highlight and explain the increased influence of European (criminal) law on the national legal system. It is essential for all future lawyers to properly understand the influence of European law.
In order to make the theoretical lectures more accessible, the relevance of theoretical notions and rules will be illustrated by means of short exercices and case examples.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This course aims to teach students how to make appropriate and active use of the Criminal Code and other relevant statutes of criminal law and to use adequate legal terminology. They will learn how to construct a legal argumentation themselves and to assess the validity of legal arguments made by others.
Another objective of this course is to provide in-depth insight into the logic and coherence of the criminal legal system, and to explain the specificities of Belgian criminal law compared to other legal systems in a European context.
More importantly, students will also learn to solve problems related to criminal law through practical cases and to understand the objectives of the different stakeholders/parties of a criminal case, in particular with regard to legal defences and the sentencing stage.
Last but not least, they will be encouraged to carry out a critical reflection on the subject matter.
Part 1
This course aims to teach students how to make appropriate and active use of the Criminal Code and other relevant statutes of criminal law and to use adequate legal terminology. They will learn how to construct a legal argumentation themselves and to assess the validity of legal arguments made by others.
Another objective of this course is to provide in-depth insight into the logic and coherence of the criminal legal system, and to explain the specificities of Belgian criminal law compared to other legal systems in a European context.
More importantly, students will also learn to solve problems related to criminal law through practical cases and to understand the objectives of the different stakeholders/parties of a criminal case, in particular with regard to legal defences and the sentencing stage.
Last but not least, they will be encouraged to carry out a critical reflection on the subject matter.
Part 2
This course aims to teach students how to make appropriate and active use of the Criminal Code and other relevant statutes of criminal law and to use adequate legal terminology. They will learn how to construct a legal argumentation themselves and to assess the validity of legal arguments made by others.
Another objective of this course is to provide in-depth insight into the logic and coherence of the criminal legal system, and to explain the specificities of Belgian criminal law compared to other legal systems in a European context.
More importantly, students will also learn to solve problems related to criminal law through practical cases and to understand the objectives of the different stakeholders/parties of a criminal case, in particular with regard to legal defences and the sentencing stage.
Last but not least, they will be encouraged to carry out a critical reflection on the subject matter.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Links to other courses, later on in the programme:
Special criminal law (DROI2207-1); Criminal business law (DROI0091-1); Criminal procedure (DROI2355-1); Special questions on criminal procedure (DROI1304-1); Comparative criminal procedure (DROI1305-1); International and European criminal law (DROI8021-1); EU criminal law (DROI1278-1); Cybercrime (DROI1317-1).
Part 1
Links to other courses, later on in the programme:
Special criminal law (DROI2207-1); Criminal business law (DROI0091-1); Criminal procedure (DROI2355-1); Special questions on criminal procedure (DROI1304-1); Comparative criminal procedure (DROI1305-1); International and European criminal law (DROI8021-1); EU criminal law (DROI1278-1); Cybercrime (DROI1317-1).
Part 2
Part 2 of the course on Introduction to criminal law can, in principle, not be followed without part 1 of the same course.
Links to other courses, later on in the programme:
Special criminal law (DROI2207-1); Criminal business law (DROI0091-1); Criminal procedure (DROI2355-1); Special questions on criminal procedure (DROI1304-1); Comparative criminal procedure (DROI1305-1); International and European criminal law (DROI8021-1); EU criminal law (DROI1278-1); Cybercrime (DROI1317-1).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
As the course aims to teach and to analyse in more detail the rules of general criminal law, much of it will consist in theoretical lectures.
However, these lectures will be associated as much as possible with a more interactive (or Socratic) method, in order to encourage students to think critically (for instance, about recent or ongoing legislative amendments or in relation to topical case examples) and to communicate in front of a bigger group of peers using the appropriate legal terms.
The theoretical lectures will be completed by practical sessions with exercises, through which students will learn to use and to combine the various sources and rules of criminal law. Considering the large number of students, the group of students will be split up in three subgroups for the TP. The teaching method during these sessions will be much more interactive. Students will receive the exercices beforehand and will be kindly invited to prepare them. Next, during the session, the students will be actively involved in the correction of the exercices. They will be asked to reply to the MCQ using an online platform (e.g. Socrative or Wooclap) and to answer orally to the questions relating to the cases. Students will also be encouraged to collaborate with one another during these sessions. These exercises will also enable the teacher to make sure students have understood the lectures, and will teach students how to use their knowledge in real-world situations. Finally, they also help students prepare for the final exam. This means the exercises are an essential addition to the lectures.
Furthermore, if they wish, students can attend additional sessions (6 x 2h) during which certain aspects of the theory will be explained once more by a student-assistant and small exercices will be made.
They will also have the possibility (and are even strongly encouraged) to ask the professor questions during and after class, or via e-mail (but as a last resort), or to the student-assistants via the discussion forum on eCampus or another means of electronic communication during the semester.
Administrative questions should be addressed to Ms Sophie Brichet.
Part 1
As the course aims to teach the rules of general criminal law, much of it will consist in theoretical lectures.
However, these lectures will be associated as much as possible with a more interactive (or Socratic) method, in order to encourage students to think critically (for instance, about recent or ongoing legislative amendments or in relation to topical case examples) and to communicate in front of a bigger group of peers using the appropriate legal terms.
The theoretical lectures will be completed by practical sessions ("travaux pratiques", TP) with exercises, through which students will learn to use and to combine the various sources and rules of criminal law. Considering the large number of students, the group of students will be split up in three subgroups for the TP. The teaching method during these sessions will be much more interactive. Students will receive the exercices beforehand and will be kindly invited to prepare them. Next, during the session, the students will be actively involved in the correction of the exercices. They will be asked to reply to the MCQ using an online platform (e.g. Socrative or Wooclap) and to answer orally to the questions relating to the cases. Students will also be encouraged to collaborate with one another during these sessions. These exercises will also enable the teacher to make sure students have understood the lectures, and will teach students how to use their knowledge in real-world situations. Finally, they also help students prepare for the final exam. This means the exercises are an essential addition to the lectures.
Furthermore, if they wish, students can attend additional sessions (6 x 2h) during which certain aspects of the theory will be explained once more by a student-assistant and small exercices will be made.
They will also have the possibility (and are even strongly encouraged) to ask the professor questions during and after class, or via e-mail (but as a last resort), or to the student-assistants via the discussion forum on eCampus or another means of electronic communication during the semester.
Administrative questions should be addressed to Ms Sophie Brichet.
Part 2
As the course aims to analyse in more detail certains rules of general criminal law, much of it will consist in theoretical lectures.
However, these lectures will be associated as much as possible with a more interactive (or Socratic) method, in order to encourage students to think critically (for instance, about recent or ongoing legislative amendments or in relation to topical case examples) and to communicate in front of a bigger group of peers using the appropriate legal terms.
They will also have the possibility (and are even strongly encouraged) to ask the professor questions during and after class, or via e-mail (but as a last resort), or to the student-assistants via the discussion forum on eCampus or another means of electronic communication during the semester.
Administrative questions should be addressed to Ms Sophie Brichet.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Further information:
Face-to-face course
Blended learning
Additional information:
The lectures will be backed by detailed PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available to students on eCampus, after each lecture. The slides of each lecture will indicate the relevant pages in the manual of Moreau, Vandermeersch and Hausman, and may also include suggestions for further reading.
The lecture classes are complemented with 10 hours of sessions with practical assignments (TP), including a mock exam. During these pratical sessions certain aspects of the course may also be analysed further ; this will be included in the exam.
In order to help students in their learning process and to remedy the inevitable problem of coïnciding classes, all theoretical lectures and practical sessions/TP will be recorded. The podcasts of each class will be available online until the end of the year, on MyULiège. That said, even if classes are recorded, it is highly recommended to attend class regularly.
Practical information regarding classes will be announced on eCampus. Students are expected to check this platform on a daily basis.
Part 1
Blended learning
Further information:
Face-to-face course
Blended learning
Additional information:
The lectures will be backed by detailed PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available to students on eCampus, after each lecture. The slides of each lecture will indicate the relevant pages in the manual of Moreau, Vandermeersch and Hausman, and may also include suggestions for further reading.
The lecture classes will be complemented with 10 hours of sessions with practical assignments (TP), including a mock exam. During these pratical sessions certain aspects of the course may also be analysed further ; this will be included in the exam.
In order to help students in their learning process and to remedy the inevitable problem of coïnciding classes, all theoretical lectures and practical sessions/TP will be recorded. The podcasts of each class will be available online until the end of the year, on MyULiège. That said, even if classes are recorded, it is highly recommended to attend class regularly.
Practical information regarding classes will be announced on eCampus. Students are expected to check this platform on a daily basis.
Part 2
Blended learning
Further information:
Face-to-face course
Blended learning
Additional information:
The lectures will be backed by detailed PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available to students on eCampus, after each lecture. The slides of each lecture will indicate the relevant pages in the manual of Moreau, Vandermeersch and Hausman, and may also include suggestions for further reading.
In order to help students in their learning process and to remedy the inevitable problem of coïnciding classes, all theoretical lectures will be recorded. The podcasts of each class will be available online until the end of the year, on MyULiège. That said, even if classes are recorded, it is highly recommended to attend class regularly.
Practical information regarding classes will be announced on eCampus. Students are expected to check this platform on a daily basis.
Students may also be invited to attend a conference.
Recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège
- Microsoft Teams
Further information:
Required/essential material:
Code de droit pénal, Bruxelles, la Charte, 2026-2027.
Note: It is essential to purchase this year's code as the criminal law changes frequently. This year's code also contains the new Criminal Code.
Additional material:
PowerPoint presentations, detailed solutions of exercices, court decisions, and potentially also excerpts from newly enacted legislation. These documents will be uploaded to eCampus during the semester.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to take personal notes during class.
Recommended basic reading materials:
T. Moreau, D. Vandermeersch and J.-M. Hausman, Eléments de droit pénal. Ancien et nouveau Code pénal, Brussels, la Charte, 6th ed., 2026.
Part 1
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège
- Microsoft Teams
Further information:
Required/essential material:
Code de droit pénal, Bruxelles, la Charte, 2026-2027.
Note: It is essential to purchase this year's code as the criminal law changes frequently. This year's code also contains the new Criminal Code.
Additional material:
PowerPoint presentations, detailed solutions of exercices, court decisions, and potentially also excerpts from newly enacted legislation. These documents will be uploaded to eCampus during the semester.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to take personal notes during class.
Recommended basic reading materials:
T. Moreau, D. Vandermeersch and J.-M. Hausman, Eléments de droit pénal. Ancien et nouveau Code pénal, Brussels, la Charte, 6th ed., 2026.
Part 2
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège
- Microsoft Teams
Further information:
Required/essential material:
Code de droit pénal, Bruxelles, la Charte, 2026-2027.
Note: It is essential to purchase this year's code as the criminal law changes frequently. This year's code also contains the new Criminal Code.
Additional material:
PowerPoint presentations, additional reading material, court decisions, and potentially also excerpts from newly enacted legislation. These documents will be uploaded to eCampus during the semester.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to take personal notes during class.
Recommended basic reading materials:
T. Moreau, D. Vandermeersch and J.-M. Hausman, Eléments de droit pénal. Ancien et nouveau Code pénal, Brussels, la Charte, 6th ed., 2026.
Assessment methods and criteria
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Further information:
Attention: Students who are enrolled in this course for the first time are only allowed to take the exam, during both the first and the retake session, if they passed the French test, organised on 15 September 2026. Students who failed the test or who did not take the test, can only participate in the exam if they have followed the remediation activities. In contrast, students who follow this course for the second or third time, are not subject to this requirement.
The exam will be written, featuring both multiple-choice questions (potentially with justification of the selected answer) and practical case analyses. The practical assignments (TP) completed in class will give students a very concrete idea of the type of questions they will encounter at the exam.
During the exam, students may use their own code, and if need be, other laws. Other documents (PowerPoint slides, personal notes, etc.) are however not allowed. Electronic devices (e.g., cellphones/smartphones, smartwatches, headphones/headset, smartglasses) are strictly forbidden.
In order to ensure optimal usage of the code, references to other legal provisions will be accepted. Any other information will not be tolerated, and codes and laws may not be annotated (not by the publisher, nor by the students). Students may underline and highlight passages in the code, but only full words. They may also use adhesive notes or bookmarks, provided that they are blank or only contain the title of a code or law or an article number; they may not include any other information.
Part 1
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Further information:
Attention: Students who are enrolled in this course for the first time are only allowed to take the exam, during both the first and the retake session, if they passed the French test, organised on 15 September 2026. Students who failed the test or who did not take the test, can only participate in the exam if they have followed the remediation activities. In contrast, students who follow this course for the second or third time, are not subject to this requirement.
The exam will be written, featuring both multiple-choice questions (potentially with justification of the selected answer) and practical case analyses. The practical assignments (TP) completed in class will give students a very concrete idea of the type of questions they will encounter at the exam.
During the exam, students may use their own code, and if need be, other laws. Other documents (PowerPoint slides, personal notes,etc.) are however not allowed. Electronic devices (e.g., cellphones/smartphones, smartwatches, headphones/headset, smartglasses) are strictly forbidden.
In order to ensure optimal usage of the code, references to other legal provisions will be accepted. Any other information will not be tolerated, and codes and laws may not be annotated (not by the publisher, nor by the students). Students may underline and highlight passages in the code, but only full words. They may also use adhesive notes or bookmarks, provided that they are blank or only contain the title of a code or law or an article number; they may not include any other information.
Part 2
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Further information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Further information:
Attention: Students who are enrolled in this course for the first time are only allowed to take the exam, during both the first and the retake session, if they passed the French test, organised on 15 September 2026. Students who failed the test or who did not take the test, can only participate in the exam if they have followed the remediation activities. In contrast, students who follow this course for the second or third time, are not subject to this requirement.
The exam will be written, featuring both multiple-choice questions (potentially with justification of the selected answer) and practical case analyses. The practical assignments (TP) completed in class will give students a very concrete idea of the type of questions they will encounter at the exam.
During the exam, students may use their own code, and if need be, other laws. Other documents (PowerPoint slides, personal notes,etc.) are however not allowed. Electronic devices (e.g., cellphones/smartphones, smartwatches, headphones/headset, smartglasses) are strictly forbidden.
In order to ensure optimal usage of the code, references to other legal provisions will be accepted. Any other information will not be tolerated, and codes and laws may not be annotated (not by the publisher, nor by the students). Students may underline and highlight passages in the code, but only full words. They may also use adhesive notes or bookmarks, provided that they are blank or only contain the title of a code or law or an article number; they may not include any other information.
Work placement(s)
This course does not include an internship.
Part 1
This course does not include an internship.
Part 2
This course does not include an internship.
Organizational remarks
Students should bring their code to class and make active use of it.
Part 1
Students should bring their code to class and make active use of it.
Part 2
Students should bring their code to class and make active use of it.
Contacts
Teacher/Professor : Vanessa Franssen - vanessa.franssen@uliege.be
Assistants :
Patrick Lambotte - patrick.lambotte@uliege.be
Solène Vandeweerd - solene.vandeweerd@uliege.be
Secrétariat : Sophie Brichet - s.brichet@uliege.be - 04/366.31.96
Part 1
Teacher/Professor : Vanessa Franssen - vanessa.franssen@uliege.be
Assistants :
Patrick Lambotte - patrick.lambotte@uliege.be
Solène Vandeweerd - solene.vandeweerd@uliege.be
Secrétariat : Sophie Brichet - s.brichet@uliege.be - 04/366.31.96
Part 2
Teacher/Professor : Vanessa Franssen - vanessa.franssen@uliege.be
Assistants :
Patrick Lambotte - patrick.lambotte@uliege.be
Solène Vandeweerd - solene.vandeweerd@uliege.be
Secretariat : Sophie Brichet - s.brichet@uliege.be - 04/366.31.96
Association of one or more MOOCs
The MOOC entitled 'Introduction au Droit (D3)' is associated with this course.
Further information:
See: https://www.fun-mooc.fr/fr/cours/etudier-le-droit-une-introduction/
Part 1
The MOOC entitled 'Introduction au Droit (D3)' is associated with this course.
Further information:
See:https://www.fun-mooc.fr/fr/cours/etudier-le-droit-une-introduction/
Part 2
The MOOC entitled 'Introduction au Droit (D3)' is associated with this course.
Additional information:
https://www.fun-mooc.fr/fr/cours/etudier-le-droit-une-introduction/