Criminal Law

At the conclusion of this course, you should have a thorough understanding of what behavior constitutes a violation of the criminal laws of the United States.  You should be able to

1. Understand the broad implications of crime, criminal law, and punishment, and the various ways that they relate to certain populations, as well as society at large
2. Examine a fact scenario and apply the elements of criminal statutes and case law in order to determine what crime(s) have been committed
3. Raise and explore appropriate defense(s) to crime(s) based upon a given fact scenario
4. Apply appropriate legal standards to fact scenarios based upon state and federal statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law
5. Present logical, coherent, and well-rounded arguments based upon fact scenarios, both orally and in writing
6. Develop rational solutions to criminal law-based fact scenarios, both individually and in teams
7. Understand the effects of globalization upon the increasingly international dimensions of criminal law

Course Requirements:

            A. Class Participation

Active class participation is one of the most essential parts of a valuable learning experience.  The material covered in this course is particularly enhanced when students share their own thoughts and perspectives, rather than just listening to the professor lecture.  This is an upper division, seminar-style course for which class participation is required.  I will regularly call on students throughout the course to discuss previously learned concepts, the assigned reading and cases.  Your ability to show that you have read the material, have paid attention in previous classes, and are actively learning to apply the material will be reflected in your participation grade.

Class participation accounts for 5% of your final grade.  Good class participation involves 1) attending class regularly; 2) coming to class having read the assigned material and being prepared to be called on and participate in a class discussion of that material;

3) voluntary, thoughtful, and respectful contribution to class discussions.

Receiving the full number of participation points requires more than just attending class—you must actively participate!

            B. WebCT Assignments

Several WebCT assignments will be required throughout the semester.  The due dates and specific requirements of these assignments will be discussed prior to the due date.  The objective of these assignments is to assess your progress in the course and to give you the opportunity to apply course concepts to real-life fact scenarios.

C. Exams

Three (3) in-class exams will be given.  Exams will cover material from the assigned readings, lectures, class discussions, and class presentations up to that point in the course.  Any material contained in the assigned readings, whether or not discussed in class, may be tested.  Likewise, any material discussed in class, whether or not contained in the assigned readings, may be tested.  Make-up exams will not be offered.

Grading Policy:

            WebCT Assignments            10%

            Exam I                                    20%

            Exam II                                  30%

            Exam III                                 35%

            Class Participation                5%

            TOTAL                                  100%

Failure to complete any of these assignments will result in a grade of F for the course.

Your grades will be determined on the following scale:

                         90-100             =  A

                        80-89               =  B

                        70-79               =  C

                        60-69               =  D

                        60-below         =  F

             I reserve the right to lower any student’s final grade, at my discretion, for:

                         (A)       Repeated unpreparedness for class

                         (B)       A negative, rude, or inattentive attitude in class

                         (C)       Repeatedly disrupting the class

                         (D)       Inappropriate class behavior (including cell phone use, texting, sleeping, etc)

                         (E)       Not showing respect for fellow classmates’ questions, opinions, or class presentations

                          (F)       Excessive absences

Students are expected to submit assignments on the due date and late assignments will not be accepted.  Unless prior arrangements have been made with the professor, students will not receive any credit for an assignment submitted past the due date.  Assignments are due on the date stated regardless of whether a student is in class on that date.  If a student must miss class on the day an assignment is due, it is that student’s responsibility to make arrangements to submit the assignment on or prior to the due date.

A. Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all class meetings for this course, following the university attendance policy.  Attendance is taken at the beginning of class, and a late student is an absent student.  As tardiness is unacceptable in the professional world, it is also not tolerated in my classroom.

Many important announcements are made during class.  If you miss a class, you are responsible for contacting one of your classmates to obtain notes, hear announcements, and get class updates.  Making up for your absence is not the responsibility of the professor.

Attendance is reflected in your participation grade.  This is a course that requires a significant amount of student participation and interaction during class meetings.  When you do not attend class, it is impossible for you to participate.  More than four (4) absences or late arrivals to class will result in a loss of participation points.  The loss of participation points will increase for each additional absence or late arrival.  Any student who misses or is late to eight (8) or more classes will lose all participation points for the semester.  I reserve the right to fail any student who misses or is late to eight (8) or more classes.