ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE Social Sciences Division. Course Outline

Transcription

1 ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE Social Sciences Division CJI 205 Criminal Law Course Outline Course Number & Name: CJI 205 Criminal Law Credit Hours: 3.0 Contact Hours: 3.0 Lecture: 3.0 Lab: N/A Other: N/A Prerequisites: Grades of C or better in BUS 101 or equivalent and ENG 101 Co-requisites: None Course Outline Revision Date: Fall 2010 Concurrent Courses: None Course Description: This course expands on concepts introduced in CJI 101, Introduction to Criminal Justice. It traces the definition of crime, and the origins of criminal law in the United States. Topics of discussion include basic legal terminology, classification of crimes, specific criminal offenses, and the New Jersey courts. This course also amplifies and further develops Criminal Procedure, topics initially covered in CJI 101, Introduction to Criminal Justice. The course explores conflicting models of justice, due process. Course Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following: 1. demonstrate knowledge of the American Legal system; 2. describe the impact that law has on society; and 3. recognize and explain the elements of criminal liability. Measurable Course Performance Objectives (MPOs): Upon successful completion of this course, students should specifically be able to do the following: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the American Legal System: 1.1 explain constitutional democracy; 1.2 describe the court system at federal and state levels; 1.3 identify the sources of American Law; and 1.4 describe characteristics of criminal and civil law 2. Describe the impact that law has on society: 2.1 apply legal principles in a societal context; and 2.2 apply both criminal and civil law in a societal environment 3. Recognize and explain the elements of criminal liability: 3.1 explain the difference between common law crimes and statutory crimes; and 3.2 apply the elements of criminal law to current events page 1 prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010

2 Methods of Instruction: Instruction will consist of lectures and class discussions. Outcomes Assessment: Test questions are blueprinted to course objectives. Data is collected and analyzed to determine the level of student performance on these assessment instruments in regards to meeting course objectives. The results of this data analysis are used to guide necessary pedagogical and/or curricular revisions. Course Requirements: All students are required to: 1. Maintain regular on-time attendance. 2. Complete assigned homework. 3. Take part in class discussions. 4. Take all tests and quizzes as scheduled. Methods of Evaluation: Final course grades will be computed as follows: Grading Components % of final course grade Homework, quizzes and class participation 0 20% Homework and quizzes emphasize material relevant to course objectives. Students must complete case briefing and analyses to be prepared for class discussions. 5 or more Tests (dates specified by the instructor) % Tests will provide evidence of the extent to which students have mastered course objectives. NOTE: The instructor will provide specific weights, which lie in the above-given ranges, for each of the grading components at the beginning of the semester. Academic Integrity: Dishonesty disrupts the search for truth that is inherent in the learning process and so devalues the purpose and the mission of the College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarism the failure to acknowledge another writer s words or ideas or to give proper credit to sources of information; cheating knowingly obtaining or giving unauthorized information on any test/exam or any other academic assignment; interference any interruption of the academic process that prevents others from the proper engagement in learning or teaching; and fraud any act or instance of willful deceit or trickery. Violations of academic integrity will be dealt with by imposing appropriate sanctions. Sanctions for acts of academic dishonesty could include the resubmission of an assignment, failure of the test/exam, failure in the course, probation, suspension from the College, and even expulsion from the College. page 2 prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010

3 Student Code of Conduct: All students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible and considerate adults who respect the rights of others. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. All students are also expected to attend and be on time for all class meetings. No cell phones or similar electronic devices are permitted in class. Please refer to the Essex County College student handbook, Lifeline, for more specific information about the College s Code of Conduct and attendance requirements. page 3 prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010

4 Course Content Outline: based on the text Criminal Law, 10 th edition, by Joel Samaha; published by Wadsworth; ISBN #: 13: Class Meeting (80 minutes) Chapter/Section CHAPTER 1 CRIMINAL LAW AND CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT What Behavior Deserves Criminal Punishment 1.3 Crimes and Non- criminal Wrongs Classifying Crimes 1.5 General and Special Parts of Criminal Law Sources of Criminal Law 1.7 Criminal Punishment CHAPTER 2 CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON CRIMINAL LAW The Ban on Ex-Post Facto Laws 2.2 Due Process Equal Protection of the Laws, the Bill of Rights CHAPTER 3 THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY: ACTUS REUS 3.1 Voluntary Act Requirement Status as a Criminal Act 3.3 Omission as Criminal Act Actus Reus and the US Constitution 3.5 Possession as a Criminal Act CHAPTER 4 THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY: MENS REA Proving state of mind 4.2 Criminal intent The Model Penal Code s (MPC) Mental Attitudes 10 Test #1 on Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 CHAPTER 5 DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY: JUSTIFICATION Affirmative Defenses and Proving Them 5.2 Court Proceedings and Justified and Excused Conduct Elements of Self-defense 5.4 The Defense of Others In the Defense of Home and Property CHAPTER 6 DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY: EXCUSES 6.1 Insanity The Tests for Insanity 6.3 The Right/Wrong Test Burden of Proof 16 Test #2 on Chapters 5 and 6 page 4 prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010

5 Class Meeting (80 minutes) Chapter/Section CHAPTER 7 PARTIES TO CRIME AND VICARIOUS LIABILITY Types of Liabilities 7.2 Parties to Crime Vicarious Liability 7.4 Participation Before and During the Commission 7.5 Corporate Liability CHAPTER 8 INCHOATE CRIMES Attempt 8.2 Conspiracy 8.3 Solicitation 20 Test #3 on Chapters 7 and 8 CHAPTER 9 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS I The Meaning of Person or Human Being 9.2 Criminal Homicide in Context Murder 9.4 Manslaughter CHAPTER 10 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS II Sex Offenses 10.2 History of Rape Law, Elements of Modern Rape Law Bodily Injury Crimes 10.3 Personal Restraint Crimes 26 Test #4 on Chapters 9 and 10 CHAPTER 11 CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY History of Criminal Taking of Other s Property CHAPTER 12 CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND MORALS 12.1 Disorderly Conduct Gang Activity CHAPTER 13 CRIMES AGAINST STATE 13.1 Treason, Espionage, Sabotage and Terrorism 29 Review of course material 30 Test #5 on Chapters 11, 12 and 13 page 5 prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010