Court Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

CRIJ-1306-002 Court Systems and Practices

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Courts and Criminal Justice in America, Larry J. Siegel, Frank Schmalleger, John L. Worrall 2^nd Edition,

ISBN# 978-0-13-345999-9

Supplies

Four (4) Scantrons with essay space booklets are required for Exams. Students may either use a pencil or pen to complete the essay assignment, but a pencil must be used on the Scantron portion. Five (5) Scantrons are required for quizzes.

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives

1.Describe the American judicial systems (civil, criminal, and juvenile), their jurisdiction, development, and structure.

2.Analyze the function and dynamics of the courtroom work group.

3.Identify judicial processes from pretrial to appeal.

4.Describe the significant Constitutional Amendments, doctrines, and other sources of law in the American judicial system. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

Behavioral Expectations (Rules of the Classroom) 1. Be in class on time, stay until the class is over. 2. All cell phones, or other electronic communications devices, except laptops used solely for class note taking/presentations, are to be turned off. 4. Sleeping in class is unacceptable and will result in loss of participation points. 5. Come to class prepared. 6. Common respect and courtesy toward the instructor and fellow students is required. You are not required to agree with the ideas or opinions of others but you are required to show respect to any person voicing them. 7. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero, removal from class and referral to the college administration. 8. Most importantly, come prepared to ask questions and offer ideas. 9. Any problems with the material or class should be brought to the instructor’s attention as soon as possible.

Grading Criteria

Grading: 

Exams:
Each student will be required to take two (2) major exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester.  
The exam will consist of 50 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. Each question will be worth 1 point. In addition to the True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, there will be an essay/short answer section.  
The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of 100 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. There will be no essay/short answer section on the final exam.

Term Paper:
Each student will turn in a 5-7 page term paper and present a presentation to the entire class over a specific court case that the student will sign up for on the first day of class. If the student is not present the first day of class a topic will be chosen at random for the student. An outline of the paper will be due October 16^th, 2014. The outline, which will be a percentage of the final term paper grade, will give an overview of the paper. The paper is due November 20^th, 2014; your graded outline must be turned in with your term paper. See attached guidelines for term paper and outline requirements. Presentations will begin on November 20^th, 2014. See attached guidelines for outline and term paper and outline requirements. 

Homework:

All About Me Paper:

Each student will turn in a 1-2 page paper giving a brief overview of their life and what they hope to accomplish with their degree. The paper is due September 2, 2014. See attached guidelines for paper requirements.

Each student will turn in 2 homework assignments during the semester.  The homework assignment is due at the beginning of class. You must be in class to turn in your homework. I will not accept homework via email unless I have approved before the day the homework is due.

Quizzes:
Each student is responsible for reading and keeping up with the material. To ensure students are reading, 5 quizzes will be given at random during the semester.

Participation:
Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions. You must be present and prepared to actively participate in class discussions.

Grading Scheme:
Exams                                     30%
Term Paper/Presentation           25%
Term Paper Outline                    5%

Participation                            10%
Quizzes                                  10%
Homework                               20%

Total:                                      100%
 
A = 100%-90%

B = 89%-80%
C = 79%-70%
D = 69%-60%

F = 59% and below

Makeup Policy:
NO EXAMS or QUIZZES CAN BE MADE UP or RE-TAKEN. If an exam is missed, the grade will be replaced with the score you make on the final exam. This policy applies to one exam only. If you miss more than one exam, a grade of zero will be averaged for the other missed exams. If you do not miss any exam during the semester, the grade on the mandatory final exam, will replace the lowest major exam grade. 

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required. A student is allowed one absence. Each additional absence will result in 5 points being taken off of the participation grade.

If you arrive to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure I’ve marked you present, otherwise the absence will stand. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Term Paper & Presentation Guidelines
Purpose –
To gain a better knowledge of courtroom practices and procedures. The cases that will be presented have shaped the current criminal justice system. In your paper include the facts of the case, any rulings, practices, and the final outcome of the case. Be sure to include sentencing and/or appeals process if applicable.

Subject –
The paper/presentation will be written over a court case from a predetermined list, which you will choose from on the first day of class.

Outline-

An outline is a working rough draft of how your paper will be written with a limited amount of detail. An outline’s purpose is to allow you to organize your thoughts and the content of your paper. A 1 to 2 page outline will be sufficient. Your graded outline should be turned in with your term paper.
Example of an Outline
I. Introduction
II. Facts of the case
III. Trial
a. Jury selection
b. The State’s case
c. The defendant’s case
d. Witnesses, etc.
IV. Verdict
V. Sentencing
VI. Appeal
VII. Conclusion

Length –
• Minimum 5 Pages
• Maximum 7 Pages
• Must include a Bibliography – not included in the paper page count

Specifics –
• APA format

• Times New Roman and 12 pt. font
• 1 inch margins
• Double-spaced
• Name at top of every paper in the header
• Number all pages at the bottom 

Grading –  
• Outline – 5 %
• Research – 5 %
• Organization – 7.5 %
• Following the assignment – 5 %
• Presentation – 7.5 %
• TOTAL = 30%

Sources –
5 Sources required, with no more than 2 internet sources.

Bibliography –  APA Format (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)

Court System & Practices Topic List

1. Brown v. Board of Education - Separate schools are not equal.
2. Roe v. Wade - Laws that restrict a woman's ability to have an abortion prior to viability are unconstitutional.
3. Mapp v. Ohio - Illegally obtained material cannot be used in a criminal trial.
4. Gideon v. Wainwright - Indigent defendants must be provided representation without charge.
5. Miranda v. Arizona - Police must advise criminal suspects of their rights under the Constitution to remain silent, to consult with a lawyer, and to have one appointed to them if they are indigent. A police interrogation must stop if the suspect states that he or she wishes to remain silent.
6. Roper v. Simmons - A death sentence may not be imposed on juvenile offenders.
7. Graham v. Florida - A sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole may not be imposed on juvenile non-homicide offenders.
8. Miller v. Alabama - A sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole may not be a mandatory sentence for juvenile offenders.
9. Marbury v. Madison - Established the doctrine of judicial review.
10. Engel v. Vitale - Government-directed prayer in public schools, even if it is denominationally neutral and non-mandatory, violates the Establishment Clause

 

Homework Assignment
 

September 2, 2014 – Due at the Beginning of Class
All About Me Paper guidelines

Purpose - To introduce yourself to the instructor.

Topics-

The paper needs to include information about your background, experiences, career goals, and anything in your life that may affect your performance in this class. 

Length –

• Minimum 1 Page
• Maximum 2 Pages

Specifics –

• APA format

• Times New Roman and 12 pt. font
• 1 inch margins
• Double-spaced
• Name at top of every paper in the header
 

Grading –

• Organization – 5 %
• Following the assignment – 5 %
• TOTAL = 10 %

 

November 11, 2014 – Due at the Beginning of Class
Read and answer questions 1-5 on page 364 of the textbook. Make sure your answers are researched, and answer questions with facts. Site your sources where applicable.

Please Use the following format for every homework assignment:
Specifics –
• Homework must be printed & turned in at the beginning of class.

• Typed
• 12 pt. font
• 1 inch margins
• Double-spaced
• Name at top of every paper in the header
 

Bibliography –  APA Format (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)