Marine LtCol Thomas Jasper – PARK UNIVERSITY ADJUNCT FACULTY – CJ105 CRIMINAL LAW

Thomas F. Jasper Jr
Park University Adjunct Faculty
CJ105 Criminal Law
Semester Dates:  June 15 - December 8, 2009

CJ105 Criminal Law

for S2I 2009

Preview Syllabus

Course Description:
CJ105 Criminal Law: This course is a survey of the history and nature of criminal law in the United States. Substantive Criminal law, defenses, and criminal responsibility will be studied within the context of the criminal justice process and rules of evidence. 3:0:3

Educational Philosophy:

All students should engage in a life-long pursuit of learning to obtain a solid educational foundation in their chosen discipline.

I challenge you to absorb the presented information and academic perspectives and strive to develop independent-analytical viewpoints.  Be prepared to engage in lively class discussion and debate based from lectures, readings, quizzes, dialogues, and your pesonal experiences to enhance your academic development.

Learning Outcomes:
Core Learning Outcomes

1. Delineate a basic understanding of the historical development of criminal law in the United States, while perceiving the nature and purpose of criminal law.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the substantive criminal law, both common law and modern statutes, including the different categories of crimes and the elements of each.
3. Employ improved ability to effectively gather, evaluate, and communicate information in both written and oral forms

Core Assessment:

Core Assessment Assignment

For use beginning Fall 2008

During the course you are required to write three essays, each comparing a modern state statute with corresponding historical common law for that crime.  The purpose in writing these essays is to examine the historical development of criminal law from common law principles to current state statutes, the relationship between criminal justice and the law, and the social policy implications of criminal law development.

Instructors may schedule the essays to be collected all at once or at different times during the course.

To complete each of the three essays, you should:

1. Write three essays: One essay will discuss uncompleted or inchoate crimes or parties to crimes. A second essay will discuss a crime against persons. A third essay will discuss a crime against property.
2. Select a state and its statute making an act a crime (e.g. stealing).
3. Research the historical common law for that crime.
4. Based on your research, compare the current criminal statute with the historical common law to see how the elements of the crime have evolved.
5. Write a short essay, 1,250 words or five typewritten or computer-generated pages, describing the elements of the current state statute, the elements of the historical common law, and comparing the elements and how they have changed. Discuss possible reasons for the changes in the elements, how the interaction of criminal justice agencies and the law may have contributed to these changes, and suggest new changes in the statute, based on society’s needs today.

Each of your three essays must include:

1. A cover page
2. Introduction
3. Description of the elements of the crime under historical common law
4. Description of the elements of the current state statute for that crime
5. Compare how the elements of the crime have changed from the historical common law to the current state statute
6. Discuss possible reasons for the changes
7. Suggest new changes in the statute, based on society’s needs today
8. Reference page, using APA style

You must demonstrate that you understand the terminology and the concepts used in criminal law. You must write using APA format for all source citations in both the body of the essay and in the reference page.Be sure to review the Core Assessment Rubric.

Link to Class Rubric

Class Assessment:

A.  Chapter review (homework submissions), Chapters 1-14.  Be prepared to answer ‘questions for discussion’ at the end of each section.

B.  Three essays as indicated in the core assessment section

C.  Students will make a 15-minute class presentation on one aspect of the law.  Topic will be approved by instructor.

D.  Final Exam to be held in class

Grading:

Classroom participation from assigned Chapter and associated review questions is valued up to 10 points per class for a total of 140 points.
Attendance 70 points (5 points per session)

Three Essays 150 points (50 points each)

Final Exam 120 points

Student presentation 50 points

Total possible points:   530

A 477-530

B 424-476

C 371-424

D 318-370

F Below 318

Late Submission of Course Materials:

Late work will receive a 10% deduction per class session late.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:
Please be respectful of other student’s opinions and stay attentive throughout the entire class.

Course Topic/Dates/Assignments:

Session 1:  Chapter 1:  The Nature and History of Criminal Law

Session 2:  Chapter 2:  Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime

Session 3:  Chapter 3:  Expanding the Concept of Crime

Session 4:  Chapter 4:  Extending Criminal Liability:  Inchoate Offenses and Parties to Crime

                 Essay assignment

Session 5:  Chapter 5:  Justifications as Defenses

                 Student presentations

Session 6:  Chapter 6:  Excuses as Defenses

                 Student presentations

Session 7:  Chapter 7:  The Defense of Insanity

                 Student presentations

Session 8:  Chapter 8:  Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime: Homicide

                 Essay assignment

Session 9:  Chapter 9:  Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime:  Assault, Battery, and Other Personal Crimes

Session 10: Chapter 10:  Legal and Social Dimensions of Property and Computer Crimes

Session 11: Chapter 11:  Offenses Against Public Order and Administration of Justice

Session 12: Chapter 12:  Offenses Against Public Morality

                  Essay assignment

Session 13: Chapter 13:  Victims and the Law

Session 14: Chapter 14:  Punishment and Sentencing

                  Final Exam Review