CRJ 2253 - Criminal Law

3 Credits

History and philosophy of modern criminal law, including structure, definition, and application of statutes and leading case law; elements of crimes; penalties and general provisions of the penal code.

Pre or Corequisite: CRJ 1103 - Introduction To Criminal Justice*

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Utilize correct English spelling and grammar conventions as applicable in discussion posts, essays, reports, academic papers, oral presentations, and other submissions for grade in this course. (PLO 1,2)
2. Analyze the nature, purpose, and constitutional limits of criminal law, evaluating the evolution and application of criminal law to determine whether specific laws or cases should be upheld or ruled as invalid. (PLO 4,7)
3. Analyze the principles of criminal liability, then evaluate scenarios and cases to determine if defendants are criminally culpable. (PLO 4,7)
4. Evaluate the differences between inchoate and completed crimes to determine whether current societal responses to inchoate crimes are appropriate, both in the U.S. and in other nations. (PLO 3,4,5,7)
5. Analyze criminal defenses, including different types of justification and excuse defenses to evaluate cases and/or scenarios to determine which type of criminal defenses would be appropriate and/or effective. (PLO 3,6,7)
6. Analyze three major types of criminal activity (crime against persons, crime against property, crimes against public order) to evaluate societal responses to each type of crime, to determine how to best prioritize enforcement activities. (PLO 3,5,6,7)
7. Analyze diverse cultural perspectives, including viewpoints on when a person’s life begins and ends, evaluating arguments to determine which laws or policies are most ethical and appropriate. (PLO 3,4,6,7)
8. Analyze artifacts or evidence in cases, problems, or scenarios, evaluating the probative value of evidence and the method by which it was obtained, to determine whether the evidence should be used, and whether it is enough to support a conviction. (PLO 3, 4, 7,)