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PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Start Term: 200710

AJS
Initiator: Campus: Date:

109

Criminal Law
Darrell Mills East 4/18/2006 CEU/Credit Hours: Lecture Periods: Lab Periods: 3 3

Prerequisite: Corequisite: Recommendation:

Description:
Historical development and philosophy of law and constitutional provisions. Includes definitions, classifications of crime and their application to the system of administration of justice, legal research, study of case law, methodology, and concepts of law as a social force.

Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to do the following:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Discuss the difference between crime and deviance. Define the terms law and criminal law. Discuss the importance of the rule of law and due process of law. Discuss distinctions between different types of crime. Explain the nature of the advocacy model and the adversarial system of criminal justice trial practice Discuss the different levels of mens rea. Identify the difference between mens rea and mala in se. Explain the corpus delicti of a crime. Describe the nature of victimless crimes and explain the harms they produce. Discuss the defenses of crimes of attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation. Define Whartons Rule. Explain the nature of the different legal defenses. Discuss the concept of reasonable force, and know when the use of deadly force may be reasonable. Define jurisdiction, venue, and the relationship between jurisdiction and venue. Discuss the difference between competency to stand trial and the defense of insanity. Explain the likely consequences to the defendant of a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, or guilty, but mentally ill. 17. Define the different types of homicide. 18. Discuss the corpus delicti of criminal homicide. 19. Identify elements of crimes of murder and manslaughter. 20. Explain the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. 21. Explain the legal and social dimensions of property and computer crimes. 22. Describe the statute of limitations as a possible bar to prosecution. 23. Define offenses against public morality and critique the laws that regulate those offenses. 24. Discuss federal, state and local initiatives in regards to victims. 25. Explain the difference between restitution and restorative justice. 26. Identify and distinguish between the five purposes of criminal punishment. 27. Summarize arguments for and against the death penalty.

Course Outline:

I.

Criminal Law A. The nature and history B. Crime C. Deviance Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime A. Rule of law B. Due process of law The Concept of Crime A. Mens rea B. Mala in se C. Corpus delicti D. Victimless crimes The Nature of Defenses A. Justifications B. Excuses C. Whartons rule D. Insanity Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crimes A. Homicide B. Murder C. Manslaughter 1. Voluntary 2. Involuntary D. Assault, Battery, and other Personal Crimes E. Property and Computer Crimes Offenses A. Public Order and the Administration of Justice B. Public Morality Victims and the Law Criminal Punishment and Sentencing A. Purpose B. Arguments for and against

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