CRJU 233

CRJU 233: Courts and the Criminal Process. (GE)

Credit Hours: (3)

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

Catalog Description  

An examination of the foundation, principles, and common processes of criminal procedure in state and federal courts in the United States. The course also will explore the organization and management of American court systems.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

The course will consist of two basic components:

1. the organization and management of courts in the American legal system
2. the stages of criminal process in American courts and the Constitutional rights that attach to each stage.

In the court organization and structure component, students will learn about the organization of the federal court system (which will be compared with the variety of approaches utilized by state court systems).

In the criminal process component, the various steps in the criminal process will be explored, beginning with arrest and extending through the appeals process. The course also will explore the Constitutional rights that criminal defendants have throughout this process.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A combination of lecture, class discussion, group work, and video may be utilized. In the court organization and structure component, some role playing may be utilized to help students explore the proper role of the U.S. Senate in confirming presidential nominees to the federal bench and understand the role of judges in interpreting statutes and the Constitution. In the criminal process component, students will be presented with fact situations to which they must apply the proper processes used by American courts as well as any applicable Constitutional rights. Mock trials may also be used to demonstrate criminal process in a courtroom setting.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

The student will be able to:

1. explain the basic differences in the structure of the federal and state court systems and the significance of those differences
2. explain the various methods used in this country to select and manage the judges, juries, and other courtroom actors who carry out criminal process in the United States.
3. understand the basic Constitutional rights of those accused of crimes

 

Assessment Measures

Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course, including the ability to apply it to real life situations, may be measured using an array of assessment tools such as quizzes, tests, applied exercises, formal and informal written assignments, group work, oral presentations, and class discussion. Instructors of this course can choose among these assessment tools and may develop others if they deem it appropriate. 

 

REVIEW AND APPROVAL

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
September 2001, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair

March 01, 2021

January, 2023; Reviewed Dr. Riane Bolin, Department Chair 

April 23, 2025