Criminal Justice and Society Colloquium

Catalog description

This seminar explores diverse issues in substantive and procedural criminal justice, and quasi-criminal processes. We consider the rule of law and the concept of justice in a range of problematic areas. In understanding constitutional limitations of defining criminal conduct, we study vagueness, status crimes, sexual relations, and ex post facto prosecutions such as Nuremberg's crimes against humanity. Processes and requirements for bringing charges, standing trial, and sustaining convictions are critically analyzed. The psychiatric defenses of insanity and extreme emotional disturbance are examined. Select facets of capital punishment are treated. The balance between individual liberty or privacy and national security or public safety is weighed in realms such as terrorism and the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the course, United States Supreme Court opinions, New York statutes and court decisions, case studies, and secondary sources are used as the bases for class discussion. Enrollment in the Practicum is limited to eight students selected by the instructor, based on interviews. Students selected for the Practicum must take part in the Colloquium. Students who apply but are not selected for the Practicum may still enroll in the Colloquium. Students may enroll in the Colloquium without applying for the Practicum. A paper is required of all Colloquium students and may be enhanced to qualify for writing credit. Students may participate in only one internship (fall, spring or summer) at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office or Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Corequisite(s): LAW 7366 .