This course examines the criminal law in NSW dealing with theft and fraud. It traces the development of the common law concepts of larceny and the legislative initiatives of false pretences through to more modern offences of forgery, obtaining by dishonesty, defrauding and computer-related offences. Emphasis is given to difficulties of applying the existing law to modern developments, in particular the use of the corporate vehicle in business and the problems of the meaning of property in electronic environments. The course is based on two streams of topics. The first provides a detailed analysis of the elements of current and proposed property and dishonesty offences. The second stream of topics examines definitions of fraud, the causes and motivations behind fraudulent activity, and particular forms of fraud that are currently prevalent.

The course is taught in a blended online and face to face format. There are two full day face to face classes - one held at the beginning and another towards the end of semester. The rest of the course conducted through online discussion boards.