- 1.1 Assess the societal and moral reasons for creating criminal laws.
- 1.2 Evaluate the primary objectives of punishment for criminal behavior.
- 1.3 Describe the role of legislative bodies in developing criminal law.
Welcome to Introduction to Criminal Law
The course examines the principle definitions and characteristics of a criminal act, its constitutional limits, and punishments. Students will learn the concept of criminal liability through the analysis of mens rea and concurrence, and their defense in court. In addition, the course explores the concept of criminal law through an array of areas that include crimes against persons, property, public order, and the State. Upon completion, students will have a clear and well rounded understanding of the concepts of criminal law.
Learning Objectives/
- 2.1 Describe the constitutional foundation for the legality of legislating criminal behavior.
- 2.2 Analyze the relationship between the Bill of Rights and the enforcement of criminal statutes.
- 2.3 Evaluate the impact of the Eighth Amendment on criminal punishment.
- 2.4 Describe the legal requirements for police officers in exercising deadly force.
- 3.1 Evaluate the concept of criminal liability.
- 3.2 Analyze the criminal acts of actions, omissions, and possession.
- 4.1 Analyze the concept of “mens rea” as it relates to criminal behavior.
- 4.2 Assess concurrence and its role in the application of criminal liability.
- 4.3 Assess the impact of ignorance on the application of criminal laws.
- 4.4 Evaluate the use of “mistake” in the determination of criminal offenses.
- 5.1 Describe the affirmative defenses of self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property.
- 5.2 Evaluate the defenses involving diminished capacity, such as insanity, mental incompetence and age.
- 5.3 Evaluate the defenses of entrapment and duress.
- 5.4 Analyze the role of mitigating circumstances, such as intoxication and provocation.
- 6.1 Describe the required elements of attempt to commit a crime.
- 6.2 Analyze the circumstances in which a criminal conspiracy occurs.
- 6.3 Evaluate the relationship between complicity and a criminal offense.
- 7.1 Differentiate the elements between the degrees of murder and manslaughter.
- 7.2 Analyze sexual assault crimes, including rape and other forms of sexual battery.
- 7.3 Evaluate the elements of the various degrees of assault against persons.
- 7.4 Describe the crimes of personal restraint such as kidnapping and abduction.
- 8.1 Distinguish the elements of the common property crimes, including robbery, theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
- 8.2 Evaluate the criminal behaviors involving damage to property, such as vandalism and arson.
- 8.3 Analyze the property invasion crimes of burglary and criminal trespass.
- 8.4 Describe criminal activity involving cybercrimes and identity theft.
- 9.1 Describe crimes involving disruption of society such as riots and disrupting public services.
- 9.2 Evaluate the less serious personal offenses against public order, such as disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
- 10.1 Analyze the federal crime of treason and related offenses.
- 10.2 Evaluate various offenses designed to combat terrorism.
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