Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to explain the objectives, substantive principles and procedural rules of the criminal process. The student will be able to explain the role of the paralegal in criminal litigation practice and draft documents used in the criminal litigation process. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define criminal conduct and discuss its elements.
2. Distinguish the conceptual and practical differences between criminal litigation and civil litigation.
3. Discuss the historical and constitutional foundations of criminal law.
4. Explain the elements of and defenses to the major classifications of criminal conduct.
5. Explain the procedural steps in the criminal process.
6. Identify and distinguish between the roles of the various participants in the criminal process.
7. Explain the role of the paralegal during investigatory/adjudicatory phases of the criminal process.
8. Distinguish the differences in the role of the paralegal as an aide to the prosecution or as an aide to the defense.
9. Explain the ethical requirements of criminal law practice.
10. Research and analyze various criminal law issues.
11. Draft pleadings, forms, and other documents commonly used in the criminal process.

Content Outline & Competencies:

 I. Introduction to Criminal Law
   A. Define criminal law
   B. Identify the elements of crimes
   C. Define and explain mens rea and actus reus
   D. Distinguish between criminal litigation and civil litigation
procedure
   E. Explain the Constitutional provisions related to criminal law

II. Individual Crimes
   A. Identify and distinguish between person crimes and property crimes
   B. Identify and distinguish between general intent and specific intent
crimes
   C. Distinguish between felonies and misdemeanors
   D. Define and explain inchoate offenses of attempt, conspiracy and
solicitation
   E. Identify and explain defenses to crimes
   F. Locate and identify Kansas statutes related to person crimes and
property crimes

III. Discovery and Pretrial procedure
   A. Explain the intake process
   B. Draft a criminal complaint
   C. Identify and explain Fourth Amendment (search and seizure) issues
   D. Identify and explain Fifth Amendment (self-incrimination) issues
   E. Explain and distinguish between initial appearance, preliminary
hearing and arraignment
   F. Draft a motion to suppress evidence

IV. Trial Procedure
   A. Identify and explain due process requirements
   B. Identify and explain the paralegal’s role at trial
   C. Explain the sequence of events at trial
   D. Identify and explain sentencing guidelines and sentencing options
   E. Identify and explain post-trial motions and appeals

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

3 Tests                  50% of grade      90-100% = A   
2 Research assignments   25% of grade      80- 89% = B
2 Drafting projects      25% of grade      70- 79% = C
   Total                100%               60- 69% = D
                                           Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.