CRJU 2200 - The Judicial Process

Description

Provides an overview of the judicial component of the criminal justice system which focuses on the structure, role, jurisdiction, and operation of the courts and the courtroom workgroup in the adjudicatory and appellate process at the local, state, and federal levels.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure of American law and its application in federal and state courts.
Demonstrate an understanding of courtroom workgroups, with emphasis on prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.
Demonstrate an understanding of the function and mobilization of criminal law, including treatment of victims and processing of defendants.
Demonstrate an understanding of the trial process at the state and federal levels, as well as sentencing, and appellate review.
Relate their knowledge to an observation in a courtroom and demonstrate the ability to write a basic observation paper using proper grammar and organizational skills.

Course Structure

Module 1: Courts, Crime, and Controversy; and the Legal System
Module 2: Courts Overview & The Legal System
Module 3: U.S. Courts Conclusion
Module 4: State and Juvenile Courts
Module 5: The Dynamics of Courthouse Justice
Module 6: Legal Actor - Judges
Module 7: The Legal System Conclusion
Module 8: Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys
Module 9: Appellate and Habeas Corpus Review
Module 10: Defendants and Victims
Module 11: Arrest, Bail, and Arraignment
Module 12: Disclosing & Suppressing Evidence
Module 13: Negotiated Justice and the Plea of Guilty
Module 14: Trials and Juries
Module 15: Sentencing Options
Module 16: Sentencing Decisions

Credit Hours

Criminal Justice

Prerequisites

None