ADMJ 0056. Introduction to Evidence

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
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)

ADMJ 0056 - Introduction to Evidence

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/admj-0056/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: 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) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze and explain relevant rules of evidence through each stage of the criminal justice process. Evaluate admissibility of evidence based on current case law. Analyze real and hypothetical situations and justify admissibility of evidence. Course Content Outline I. Introduction A. What is Evidence B. Burden of Proof C. Sources of Evidence Law II. The Court Process A. The Criminal Complaint B. The Trial C. Sentencing III. Types of Evidence A. Relevant Evidence B. Direct and Circumstantial Evidence C. Testimonial and Real Evidence D. Substitutes for Evidence IV. Direct and Circumstantial Evidence A. Basic Definitions B. Weight of Evidence C. Circumstantial Evidence V. Witnesses A. Competency of Witness B. Impeachment C. Rehabilitation D. Corroboration VI. Crime Scene Evidence and Experiments A. Crime Scene Evidence B. Scientific Evidence C. Commonly Accepted Scientific Tests D. Experiments VII. Documentary Evidence, Models, Maps, and Diagrams A. Authentications B. Forensics Documents Examiners C. Introducing the Contents of Documents D. Photographic Evidence VIII. Hearsay and Its Exceptions A. The Hearsay Rule B. Testimonial Hearsay C. Business Records and Official Documents D. Reputation IX. Privileged Communications A. Attorney-Client Privilege B. husband-Wife Privilege C. Physician-Patient Privilege D. Clergy-Penitent Privilege X. Developing Law of Search and Seizure A. Definitions B. Warrant Requirements C. Exclusionary Rule XI. Field Interviews, Arrests, and Jail Searches A. Right to Use Force to Detain or Arrest Suspects B. Criminal Charges for Using Excessive Force C. Field Interviews D. Arrests E. Booking XII. Plain View, Consent, Vehicle, and Administrative Searches A. Plain View and Open Fields Doctrines B. Abandoned Property C. Consent Searches D. Vehicle Searches XIII. USA PATRIOT Act, Foreign Intelligence, and Other Types of Electronic Surveillance Covered By Federal Law A. A. Eavesdropping and Electronic Surveillance B. National Security Letters XIV. Self-Incrimination A. Miranda Warnings B. Sequential Interrogations C. Special Situations XV. Identification Procedures A. Definitions Used for Identification Procedures B. Fourth Amendment Rights During Identification Procedures C. Fifth Amendment Rights During Identification Procedures D. Sixth Amendment Rights During Identification Procedures XVI. Preparing the Case for Court A. Reviewing the Facts of the Case B. Working with the Prosecutor C. Dress and Demeanor D. Contacts with Lawyers, Witnesses, and Jurors Course Objectives 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. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Objective Examinations 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.) 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