Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/09/2022
Top Code	140200 - Paralegal
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

This course examines the principles, theories and practices of forensic science utilized within the American legal system. Forensic science is the study and application of science to the process of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. Students will gain a basic understanding of the scientific and analytical approach to determining the value of evidence as it relates to the court of law and how this is utilized by paralegals. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Apply an understanding of proper procedures for securing, assessing and processing crime scenes in a law office or legal setting.
2. Apply an analysis of the methods of physical and trace evidence in a law office or other legal setting.
3. Apply basic analysis of ballistic evidence, tool mark, and other impressions in a law office or other legal setting.
4. Apply ethical rules concerning forensic evidence in a law office or other legal setting.

Course Objectives

• 1. Explain the history and development of forensic sciences
• 2. Describe proper procedures for securing, assessing, and processing crime scenes.
• 3. Explain the handling, value, and capabilities of DNA evidence.
• 4. Describe the various types and analysis methods of physical and trace evidence.
• 5. Explain the basic analysis of ballistic evidence, tool mark, and other impressions.
• 6. Describe serology and blood spatter analysis.
• 7. Explain the importance of expert witnesses in cases dealing with forensic science.
• 8. Explain the value of forensic evidence in a court proceeding.
• 9. Describe the role of a paralegal in the utilization of forensic evidence.

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Lecture Content

Forensic Science History Modern Society (3.5 hours) Crime Scene (3.5 hours) Evidence (3.5 hours) Physical Properties Glass Soil (3.5 hours) Organic vs. Inorganic Analysis (3.5 hours) Hair, Fibers Paint (3.5 hours) Drugs Forensic Toxicology (3.5 hours) Forensic Aspects of Arson Explosions (3.5 hours) Forensic Serology (3.5 hours) DNA (6 hours) Fingerprints (3.5 hours) Firearms, Tool Marks Other Impressions (3.5 hours)  Document Voice Examination (3.5 hours) Examinations (6 hours)

Method(s) of Instruction

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

Instructional Techniques

Multiple methods of instruction will be used to enhance student understanding of the paralegal profession as it relates to forensic science. Lectures, discussion forums, interactive activities, and group projects will be utilized to facilitate the learning process. This class requires the use of various methods of audiovisuals such as PowerPoint presentations, audio, and video.

Reading Assignments

Students will read from the course textbook as well as any other primary and/or secondary readings assigned by the instructor.

Writing Assignments

Prepare a forensic science crime scene report, develop an analysis of the rules of evidence as they relate to forensic evidence,  create a report describing the characteristics of soil, glass and other physical crime scene evidence.

Out-of-class Assignments

Outside of the classroom students will complete the required readings; work on assigned papers, reports, and projects; study for tests; conduct research; and communicate with the instructor and/or fellow students through telephone, email, discussion boards, or virtual chat.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking will be demonstrated through written assignments, essays on exams, papers, and projects.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Adapting fact scenarios to procedures for analysis of crime scene evidence collection.

Eligible Disciplines

Law: J.D. or LL.B NOTE: Courses in aspects of law for application to a particular discipline may be classified, for minimum qualifications purposes in the discipline of the application. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Saferstein, R.; Roy, T. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 13th ed. Pearson, 2020

Other Resources

1. Other textbook or OER of similar content as selected by the instructor. 2. Coastline Library