Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Origin, development, philosophy and legal basis of evidence; types of evidence; ways of presenting evidence; judicial decisions and statutory rules of evidence governing the admissibility of testimony, writings, materials and objects at a criminal trial; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting searches, seizures, admissions, confessions and methods of identification. (C-ID AJ 124) (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze and explain relevant rules of evidence through each stage of the criminal justice process.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate admissibility of evidence based on current case law.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze real and hypothetical situations and justify admissibility of evidence.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Compare the relevant rules of evidence through the various stages of the criminal justice processes, such as arrest and criminal trials;
2. Analyze legal definitions and concepts of evidentiary law;
3. Correlate the laws of search and seizure to the admissibility of evidence in a criminal proceeding;
4. Analyze real and hypothetical situations and justify the admissibility of evidence;
5. Evaluate the admissibility of evidence based upon recent case law;
6. Compare and contrast the Miranda ruling to the Fifth and Sixth Amendments;
7. Synthesize, in order, the major steps involved in the adjudication of a criminal case; and
8. Logically justify the need to lay a foundation for the use of evidence.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Essay Examinations
              • Example: Students will write an essay in which they explain and analyze the impact of the Miranda Decision and its connection to specific Constitutional Amendments.
            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: Students will properly identify terms commonly associated with admissibility of evidence during court proceedings.

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Lecture/Discussion
            • Distance Learning

            Lecture:

            1. Instructor will use PPT to present information related to the identification, collection and preservation of evidence at a crime scene.

            Distance Learning

            1. Via LMS, Instructor will post a video of a criminal trial for students to identify and evaluate the application of various Rules of Evidence during follow-up discussion boards.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Read chapters 3 and 4 and be prepared to discuss the use and differences of direct and circumstantial evidence. 2. Based on assigned readings from text, compare and contrast state and federal rules of evidence.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Provide a written analysis of a current event article relating to the admissibility of evidence. 2. Review assigned case law and give an oral presentation on its rationale and effects on rules of evidence.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            Required Materials

            • Criminal Evidence
              • Author: Judy Hails
              • Publisher: Wadsworth
              • Publication Date: 2014
              • Text Edition: 8th
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.