CRJ 480 - Criminal Law and Courts

Units: 3
Explores the structure and functions of the criminal courts and their practical operation. It follows criminal court cases from inception to conclusion, focusing on the responsibilities of legal actors, rights and protections afforded the defendant, and systemic issues.

Equivalent Quarter Course: CRJA 4770.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe the organizational structures of federal and state court systems;
Identify and explain the elements of criminal liability;
List and describe the roles of the various members of the courtroom work group;
List and define the stages of a criminal case as it proceeds through the court system;
Identify the constitutional rights afforded to individuals who enter the criminal justice system;
Analyze and describe the institutional and social factors that contribute to disparate criminal justice outcomes;
Analyze and communicate about ethical issues presented by the operation of the criminal court system from different perspectives that reflect critical and independent thinking.