Criminal Law

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the substantive foundations of criminal law in the United States. Through a combination of legal theory, statutory interpretation, and real-world case analysis, students will explore the essential elements of criminal offenses, including, actus reus, mens rea, causation, and attendant circumstances. The course also examines justifications and excuses, inchoate offenses, and the structure of legal defenses. Particular attention is given to crimes against persons, property, public order, and the state. This class emphasizes both historical and contemporary legal reasoning, with a focus on how criminal law reflects broader social values and constitutional constraints. Students will critically assess the evolving boundaries of criminal liability, the social purposes of punishment, and the impact of overcriminalization and mass incarceration. This course is designed for students in both Criminal Justice and Sociology and is suitable for those considering careers in law, public safety, or justice-related fields.