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PLG 270 Criminal Law and Investigative Procedures

This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedures including elements of certain crimes, arrests, indictments, trial, and post-conviction proceedings. Investigative techniques are also covered. The role of the legal assistant is explored.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

PLG 270 Criminal Law and Investigative Procedures

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedures including elements of certain crimes, arrests, indictments, trial, and post-conviction proceedings. Investigative techniques are also covered. The role of the legal assistant is explored.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Use basic legal terminology of criminal law and procedures. (CCC 1; PGC 5)
  2. Describe characteristics of criminal proceedings. (CCC 1; PGC 5)
  3. Identify participants in the criminal trial process. (CCC 1; PGC 5)
  4. Prepare documents used in criminal proceedings. (CCC 1; PGC 2, 4, 5)
  5. Define the role of the legal assistant/paralegal in the area of criminal law. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 5)
  6. Explain theories of criminal punishment. (CCC 1; PGC 4, 5)
  7. Identify defenses used in criminal trials. (CCC 1; PGC 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:

  1. Use basic legal terminology of criminal law and procedures.
    1. Define basic terms associated with criminal law.
    2. Use terminology associated with criminal trial procedures.
  2. Describe characteristics of criminal proceedings.
    1. Discuss sources of criminal law.
    2. Identify law enforcement practices generally used to gather evidence.
    3. Explain the nature of the preliminary hearing and the formal charge.
    4. List the steps in a criminal procedure.
  3. Identify participants in the criminal trial process.
    1. Explain the role of the prosecutor, the defense attorney, the witnesses, and other participants in a trial.
    2. Identify the jurisdiction of criminal courts.
    3. Describe the role of the judge in the criminal trial process with and without a jury present.
  4. Prepare documents used in criminal proceedings.
    1. List documents filed in criminal proceedings.
    2. Identify the court in which a motion charging a felony crime would be filed.
    3. Name types of motions that may be filed in criminal proceedings.
    4. Prepare a draft of a motion for review by attorneys.
  5. Define the role of the legal assistant/paralegal in the area of criminal law.
    1. Identify career options available to the legal assistant/paralegal in the area of criminal law.
    2. Explain the role of the paralegal in assisting a prosecuting attorney in the preparation for a criminal trial.
    3. Explain the role of the paralegal in assisting a defense attorney in the preparation for a criminal trial.
  6. Explain theories of criminal punishment.
    1. Define crime.
    2. Explain classifications of crime.
    3. List theories for punishing criminal behavior.
    4. Relate specific crimes to applicable forms of punishment.
    5. Discuss specific forms of punishment and the desired outcome of each.
  7. Identify defenses used in criminal trials.
    1. Define defense.
    2. Identify factual and statutory defenses.
    3. Discuss constitutional defenses.

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

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Tests (3) (equally weighted)

30%

Summative: Final Exam

20%

Formative: Writing Assignment #1

15%

Formative: Writing Assignment #2

15%

Formative: Class Participation/Homework

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

PLGAASPLG

  1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
  2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
  3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
  4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
  5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal