Concepts of Criminal Law

Catalog description

This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. Additionally, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, including but not limited to diverse genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, classes, and cultures as they relate to criminal law. Prerequisite: ADJU 1