The general principles of criminal liability including defenses, parties to crime, and the elements of specific crimes are examined from a broad perspective. Knowledge of the general principles and doctrines enable students to possess the tools to apply enduring principles to definitions of specific crimes. Decisions of English and American courts are analyzed to interpret the rules and doctrines of the substantive criminal law. This is a two semester concurrent field experience placement involving orientation and field work in a justice agency or department. The learning experience will vary with the particular placement area, i.e. law enforcement, courts, corrections, and probation.
Research paper is required.
This course reviews procedural aspects of criminal law governing the acts of law enforcement personnel with special emphasis on constitutional rights of the accused. This study includes arrest, search and seizure, confessions, right to counsel, and similar topics. This course provides an introduction to the liability for civil wrongs. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, nuisance and damages. This course examines the nature of law and its connection to justice.