The University of Texas at Brownsville
Forensic Investigation Program
Preliminary Course Syllabus
Summer Session II, 2014
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
CRIJ 1310 Fundamentals of Criminal Law: This course focuses on the nature of criminal law and its philosophical and historical development; major definitions, concepts and classifications of crime; elements of crimes and penalties, using Texas statutes as illustrations; and the concept of criminal responsibility.
COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
This colure is designed to introduce the student to the theoretical basis of criminal law in the United States and to examine particular criminal acts as defined by their elements f proof. This course provides an important foundation to further studies in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will:
Obtain an understanding and appreciation for the nature of criminal law, its philosophical and historical development.
Identify major concepts, definitions, classifications, elements and penalties of crime and criminal responsibility.
Identify the Penal Code
Define the terms described in the Penal Code.
Identify culpable mental states
Identify the elements of the offense.
Define the various degrees of prosecution
Identify crimes against property
Define crimes against persons
Identify crimes against public administration
Define penalties
Identify jurisdiction
Define the Grand Jury and Petit Jury
Identify criminal responsibility
Demonstrate ability to write reports.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Gardner, Thomas J, and Terry M. Anderson (2009), Criminal Law: Principles and Cases (11th Edition), Wadsworth Publishing, ISBN 13: 978-0-495-91337-5
Texas Penal Code: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/PE
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/?link=CR
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS: The student may also communicate with the instructor via email, and if necessary submit written work as email attachments. It is preferred that such attachments be at least Word documents, since the instructor uses Microsoft Office. Please send such attachment to the office address michael.lytle@utb.edu. An attachment should not be considered received by the instructor until the student receives an email acknowledgment reply.
Homework assignments, Law Brief, and exams will be performed on Safe Assign.
READINGS:
There will be reading assignments to be completed prior to each class meeting. These readings will facilitate class discussions and enhance your understanding of daily lectures. This class exposes you to many concepts you may not be familiar with and the more times you expose yourself to the material the easier comprehension will be. Examination questions will be taken from the reading assignments and class lectures.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
There will be several writing assignment required of all students taking this course. You will be given a “situation” later in the semester and will have to identify the issue and/or necessary response based on the material covered in class. Grading will be based on your ability to follow instructions, direct your response to the issues at hand, and support the position taken on the assignment. Outside sources may be used for the assignment but are not required to receive full credit. If outside sources are used, however, they are to be cited using the APA style of referencing.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
See University Policy Statements on course page on Blackboard
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
See University Policy Statement on course page on Blackboard
STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
See University Police Statement on course page on Blackboard
EMERGENCY POLICY STATEMENT
In compliance with the Emergency UTB/TSC Academic Continuity Program, academic courses, partially or entirely, will be made available on the MyUTBTSC Blackboard course management system. This allows faculty members and students to continue their
