Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Top Code	210500 - Administration of Justice
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

An introduction to the general doctrines of criminal liability. This course covers the historical and philosophical foundations of criminal law, as well as its purpose and structure. Students examine major conceptual legal principles and terminology. Topics include constitutional issues, legal causation, criminal defenses, parties to a crime, and inchoate offenses. Emphasis is placed on court decisions and their impact on law enforcement activities. Transfer Credit: CSU. C-ID: AJ 120.C-ID: AJ 120.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Given a United States Supreme Court judicial opinion, prepare a law case brief that correctly analyzes constitutional principles related to operational police practices.
2. Given a law review article, summarize important philosophical legal doctrines, demonstrating the ability to accurately translate complex ideas in a concise format.

Course Objectives

• 1. Describe the nature and purpose of the criminal law in American society.
• 2. Explain the main legal doctrines of actus reus and mens rea when judging criminal conduct.
• 3. Interpret important United States Supreme Court decisions related to landmark criminal law court decisions.
• 4. Compare and contrast the proper use of various criminal defenses.
• 5. Discuss criminal liability and how one can become a party to a crime.
• 6. Describe the major legal principles that outline inchoate offenses.

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Lecture Content

THE NATURE AND HISTORY OF CRIMINAL LAW The purpose of criminal law History, philosophy and sources of law Common and statutory law   Distinction of crimes and torts Classifications and punishments CRIMINAL LAW AND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION The Constitutions application in criminal matters The Bill of Rights Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses The U.S. Supreme Court and case decisions Conducting legal research THE PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY The corpus delicti The act or omission to act The principle of mens rea Strict liability crimes The principle of causation Concurrence and the law CRIMINAL DEFENSES: JUSTIFICATIONS Affirmative defenses and proof Self-defense, defense of others and defense of home/property Necessity Consent  CRIMINAL DEFENSES: EXCUSES Insanity Diminished capacity Age Ignorance or mistake of fact Intoxication Entrapment Duress     PARTIES TO A CRIME AND VICARIOUS LIABILITY Parties to a crime Vicarious liability Accomplices Accessories after the fact  INCHOATE CRIMES: ATTEMPT, CONSPIRACY AND SOLICITATION Attempt crimes   Possibility of completion Conspiracy Solicitation

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Instructor will utilize lecture, case studies, simulations, flash cards, DVD/videotaped scenarios, computer generated presentations, web-based information distribution, and facilitate classroom discussions.

Reading Assignments

Students will complete assigned reading from the course textbook, selected legal briefs, case studies, and articles relating to course topics.

Writing Assignments

Students will write article summaries and reports based upon law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will study for quizzes and the final, prepare reports based upon law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and write summaries of articles on related criminal justice topics.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking through the analysis of hypothetical law-based scenarios and law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will complete article summaries and reports based upon the analysis of law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions

Eligible Disciplines

Administration of justice (police science, corrections, law enforcement): Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Roberson, C.; OReilley, M. Criminal Law, 7th ed. Pearson Publishing, 2020

Other Resources

1. Coastline Library