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 courses will be built. The course will also include limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision-making, criminal culpability, and crime defenses. This course may be offered in a distance education format.