Course Number and Title:
CRJ 220 Criminal Judiciary
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: CRJ 101.
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course examines the structure, jurisdiction, and procedures of different courts: federal, state, adult, specialized and juvenile. It also examines the detailed processes of bail, court procedures, and conviction.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain the structure and function of the criminal court system. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1)
- Analyze the stages of a criminal case, from arrest to post-conviction. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of various actors within the court system, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1, 3)
- Evaluate the impact of constitutional rights on criminal court proceedings. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
- Critically assess how policies, reforms, and societal factors affect the functioning of the criminal courts. (CCC 1, 2, 4,, 5, 6; PC 1, 3, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain the structure and function of the criminal court system.
- Distinguish between trial, appellate and specialty courts.
- Explain the dual court system
- Identify the hierarchy of the court system at both the state and federal levels.
- Examine the function of criminal courts within the context of the broader criminal justice system.
- Analyze the stages of a criminal case, from arrest to post-conviction.
- Examine arrest, arraignment, charging, detention and bail from the perspective of the judicial system.
- Explain the role of discovery, evidence and pre-trial pleadings from the perspective of the judicial system.
- Describe the trial process including juror selection, opening statements, examination of witnesses, and closing arguments.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of various actors within the court system, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors.
- Examine the role of the prosecutor, including charging decisions, plea bargains and prosecutorial discretion.
- Examine the role of the defense attorney, including defense strategy, client representation and ethical obligations.
- Examine the role of the judge in both bench and jury trials, including judicial ethics and selection of judges.
- Examine the role of the jury, including selection, decision making processes and deliberations.
- Evaluate the impact of constitutional rights on criminal court proceedings.
- Review the rights granted to defendants through the 6th Amendment.
- Explore landmark United States Supreme Court decisions that have interpreted 6th Amendment rights.
- Critically assess how policies, reforms, and societal factors affect the functioning of the criminal courts.
- Explore court-related data and how data is used to initiate and inform court reform.
- Describe court-related contemporary initiatives including, but not limited to, bail reform, specialty courts and mediation programs.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (3) Equally Weighted | 50% |
Oral Argument Assignment | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Discussion Boards | 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.