Practical Issues in Criminal Procedure

Catalog description

Practical Issues in Criminal Procedure is a writing-intensive undergraduate course that provides students with an intermediate understanding of criminal procedure in the U.S. justice system. The course focuses on real-world issues faced by law enforcement and legal professionals, with particular emphasis on the Fourth Amendment and other constitutional safeguards. Students will engage with case law, statutes, and scholarly commentary through real and hypothetical scenarios. Topics include plea bargaining, trials, appeals, and the evolving balance between crime control and individual rights. The course also explores how legal decisions and social science research inform procedural rules. Writing assignments include a written evaluation of probable cause, a search warrant, and a legal brief or research proposal. Class sessions combine lecture, discussion, and simulations. By the end of the course, students will have sharpened their legal writing and analytical skills and gained valuable insight into the procedural foundations of the criminal justice system-ideal preparation for careers in law, law enforcement, or related fields.