ADMJ 0055. Concepts of Criminal Law

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Historical development, philosophy of common and statutory law, and constitutional provisions related to due process; definitions, classifications, and general elements of crimes as applied to the administration of justice; legal research, review of case law, methodology, and concepts of law as a social force and analysis of criminal liability, defense to crimes and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals and public welfare. (C-ID AJ 120) (CSU, UC)

ADMJ 0055 - Concepts of Criminal Law

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/admj-0055/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 lecture Description: Historical development, philosophy of common and statutory law, and constitutional provisions related to due process; definitions, classifications, and general elements of crimes as applied to the administration of justice; legal research, review of case law, methodology, and concepts of law as a social force and analysis of criminal liability, defense to crimes and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals and public welfare. (C-ID AJ 120) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze and contrast various theories of criminal law. Critique case law as it relates to the criminal justice process and create a written case brief. Compare and contrast corpus delicti and elements of criminal statutes. Course Content Outline I. LEGAL RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY A. Case Law 1. Sources of Case Law citations B. California Court System C. Federal Court System II. LEGAL, PHILOSOPHICAL AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAW A. Origin and development of the law B. Sources and classification of the law III. THE SCOPE AND SOURCE OF CRIMINAL LAW A. Origin and development of criminal law B. Purpose and nature of criminal law C. Sources of criminal law D. Concepts of Stare Decisis E. Classification of laws F. Statute of limitations G. Case citation and appeals H. Attorney General opinions I. The concept of preemption J. Ex Post Facto Laws K. Venue and jurisdiction L. Definition of terms IV. CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES AND PENALTIES A. Language of criminal statutes B. Construction of Penal statutes and terms C. Conflict between statutes D. Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction E. Punishments F. Initiative Measures G. Penalty Enhancements V. CORPUS DELICTI AND ELEMENTS OF CRIME A. Body of the crime B. The criminal act C. Types of intent D. Negligence E. Proximate cause VI. CAPACITY TO COMMIT A CRIMINAL ACT A. Persons capable/incapable of committing crimes B. Diminished capacity C. Insanity Defenses VII. PARTIES TO CRIME A. Principles defined B. Aid and Abet defined C. Accessories defined D. Accomplices defined E. Feigned accomplice defined VIII. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE A. Attempts defined B. Solicitation to commit a crime C. Compounding crimes D. Conspiracy E. Perjury F. Bribery G. Abandonment of criminal liability Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Analyze the historical and cultural evolution of criminal law and its impact on the judicial system; 2. Explain the adversary system and sources of criminal law; 3. Discuss the goals and characteristics of criminal law; 4. Differentiate between the legislative process of establishing laws and the court's process of interpreting and applying the law; 5. Explain terminology, definitions, and theories of criminal law; 6. Differentiate between crimes classified as infractions, misdemeanors, felonies and "wobblers" 7. Compare and contrast elements of crime to the crime's corpus delicti; 8. Describe and explain the concept of lesser included offenses; 9. Identify elements of offenses against the person, property, morals, and the justice system; 10. Discuss the capacity to commit crime, causation, and culpability; 11. Critically analyze various components of our system of criminal law; 12. Assess the use of the various types of criminal defenses, legal justifications and burdens of proof; and 13. Evaluate the criminal classifications of and sanctions for parties to crimes. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Reading Assignments 1. Students will read a given scenario and identify the legal role of each party in the crime. 2. Students will read a chapter pertaining to capacity to commit crimes and be prepared to discuss insanity defenses in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students will write a 2-3 page report comparing and contrasting elements of a crime to the corpus delicti of a crime. 2. Students will analyze case law provided by the instructor and write a paper discussing the court's rationale in its decision. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Administration of Justice

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/administration-justice/

Overview The Administration of Justice program offers students an Associate Degree for Transfer which prepares students for transfer into the California State University system. In addition, there are three associate degrees offered with specific areas of concentration. Each concentration has specific core courses that are required of all students. Courses are available in law enforcement, specializing in police activities that promote public safety and service to the community; courts, specializing in responsibilities to the public through the trial system of adjudication; and corrections, where sentenced individuals are subjected to society's effort to provide accountability and correct the deviant behavior. The Administration of Justice program also offers a number of POST certified peace officer training courses, including PC 832 Arrest and Firearms, as well as Modules III and II of the POST Regular Basic Course (Law Enforcement Academy). Successful completion of the two modules allows students to be hired as Level III or Level II Reserve Peace Officers in California. The Department also offers some in-service POST training courses for continuing professional development. TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Administration of Justice are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Administration of Justice are qualified for career pathways in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Faculty Ralph McGill Professor, Administration of Justice B.A., New College of California