Criminal Law and Procedure Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

LGLA-2313-001 Criminal Law and Procedure

Prerequisites

LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course introduces the criminal justice system including procedures from arrest to final disposition, principles of federal and state law and the preparation of pleadings and motions.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Texas Criminal Law Principles and Practices, Author:  Jerry L. Dowling
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\ ISBN-13:  978-0-13-172139-5

Supplies

Required textbook\

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Paralegal Studies program:

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1. \ Understand the basic concepts of criminal law and procedure.
   \ (SCANS* Information, Systems)
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2. \ Explore the role of the paralegal in both prosecution and defense of criminal offenses.
   \ (SCANS Interpersonal, Information, Systems)
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3. \ Understand the structure of the criminal justice system at both the state and the federal level.
   \ (SCANS Systems)
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4. \ Understand the defenses to criminal responsibility.
   \ (SCANS Information, Systems)
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5. \ Classify offenses and their punishments.
   \ (SCANS Information, Systems)
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6. \ Understand the constitutional and statutory rights of the accused, including the principles behind arrest, search and seizure, right against self-incrimination.
   \ (SCANS Information, Systems, Thinking Skills)
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7. \ Identify the various stages of the criminal process.
   \ (SCANS Information, Systems)
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8. \ Know the elements of criminal complaints and motion practice, and develop basic skill in drafting each.
   \ (SCANS Information, Systems, Basic Skills, Thinking Skills)
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9. \ Conduct legal research related to criminal law.
   \ (SCANS Information, Basic Skills, Thinking Skills)
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10. \ Read and analyze major court opinions and prepare case briefs outlining their holdings and issues.
    \ (SCANS Information, Systems, Technology, Basic Skills, Thinking Skills)
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\ *Meets Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
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\ Technology:      Selects technology; Applies technology to Task.
\ Systems:          Understands complex interrelationships.
\ Information:       Acquires, evaluates, organizes, interprets and communicates information.
\ Interpersonal:    Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership.
\ Basic Skills:     Reading and Writing.
\ Thinking:          Creative Thinking and Decision Making; Problem Solving; Reasoning.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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   Everyone is expected to be prepared for class and participate in class discussions.
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2. \
   Although students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class period, special circumstances arise. If you arrive late or leave early, please do so as quietly as possible.
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3. \
   Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be permitted.
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4. \
   Please keep cell phones and pagers turned off during class. If an exception to this policy is necessary, please talk to the instructor before class.
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5. \
   Students are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.
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Grading Criteria

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   \ 50% - Major Exams
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2. \
   \ 30% - Assignments.
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3. \
   \ 20% - Quizzes.
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Attendance

\ Assignment and Testing Policy:  Specific due dates for assignments, and tests are shown on the Course Schedule.  An extension of time to complete an assignment may be granted in special circumstances, but such extensions must be obtained from the instructor on or before the due date in order to receive full credit.  Failure to obtain an extension will result in a 10 point deduction from the grade for that assignment.  If any changes are made in the due date of an assignment or a test date, they will be announced in class. 

\ If you are not going to be present on the evening of a test, you are allowed to make up the test within the following five class days (Monday-Friday).  Make-up tests are taken at the AC Testing Center (371-5445).  A picture ID, a mini-bluebook Scantron form, and #2 pencils are required.  No test will be issued one hour before the Testing Center closes.  Consult the Amarillo College website (www.actx.edu) for current Testing Center times.

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Additional Information

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