Court Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Constance Haskins (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
First Responders Academy Bldg.
3701 Plains Blvd, Office #1029
Office Hours
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Email / Blackboard Messaging Phone Contact Communication Policy Office Hours: Office hours are available for individualized support. During these times, you may meet with me in person, through FaceTime, Google Meet, or via messages/email. Office Hours Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Virtual office hours may also be scheduled as needed. While I do occasionally check messages outside of these hours, scheduled office hours are the best time to receive immediate responses and real-time assistance. Please note: Emails, messages, and texts sent after 6:00 PM or on weekends may not be answered until the next business day, although I occasionally check messages outside of these hours. Response Time You can generally expect a response to course emails or messages within 24 hours during the week. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time, please feel free to follow up. Course Communication The primary methods of communication for this course will be: • Blackboard Announcements – Posted in the course and sent to your AC email Students should check announcements, Blackboard messages, and email at least every other day to stay informed about course updates and deadlines. Additional Resources for Assistance If you are unable to contact me directly, the following resources are available: Criminal Justice Department Offices ASK AC Helpline CTL Student & Faculty Help Center AC Connect Student Resources Professional Communication Expectations All communication in this course should remain professional, respectful, and courteous. This includes emails, messages, discussion posts, texts, and phone conversations. Students are expected to follow appropriate netiquette (online communication etiquette). Resources about netiquette are available in the Course Resources folder. If you have a question or concern about the course, please contact me first so we can work together to resolve the issue. If we are unable to resolve the matter, you may contact my immediate supervisor. Her contact information is listed in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
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Course Information
Recording Policy
Disability Statement
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.
Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:
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
Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:
Administrative Drop Policy
N/A
Student Withdrawal Procedures
N/A
Privacy Statement
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
Course
CRIJ-1306-001 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.
Student Resources Student Resources Website
Department Expectations
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Hours
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Class Type
On Campus Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System, David W. Neubauer, Henry F. Fradella 11th Edition, ISBN# 978-1-285-06194-8
Supplies
Eleven (11) Scantrons with essay space booklets are required for quizzes and exams. Students may either use a pencil or pen to complete the essay assignment, but a pencil must be used on the Scantron portion.
Student Performance
Student Performance / Learning Objectives
- Describe the American judicial systems (civil, criminal, and juvenile), their jurisdiction, development and structure.
- Analyze the function and dynamics of the courtroom work group.
- Identify judicial processes from pretrial to appeal.
- Describe the significant Constitutional Amendments, doctrines, and other sources of law in the American judicial system.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
There are certain requirements that will be necessary for the successful completion of this class. The requirements are mandatory and are explained fully in this syllabus.
- Quizzes are given after every chapter
- Read the chapters; take good notes
- Be on time. If you need to leave early, sit in the back of the classroom.
You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings and being prepared for class discussions. The textbook readings are intended to provide background information to my lecture. Because we will be having class discussions when I am lecturing, it is of utmost importance that you read the assigned reading for that particular lecture in the textbook. If for some reason, due to the class discussion, I am unable to lecture on a particular topic in the book you are still responsible for knowing that particular section of the assigned reading. So, please be aware that you will be tested on what the book covers as well as my lectures. The readings will be from the textbook listed above, as well as any other material that I may handout during the semester. Bring you textbook to every lecture. In order to be successful in this class you will need to devote equal study time to course lecture as well as the readings; therefore, class participation is expected.
PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 10:30 a.m. Repeated tardiness, cell phones making any type of noise at all, sleeping, talking, reading unrelated class material, distracting behavior, will not be tolerated and I will ask you to leave the classroom if you are engaging in this type of behavior. DO NOT TEXT MESSAGE IN CLASS
Grading Criteria
Exams:
Each student will be required to take a midterm exam and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester.
The midterm exam will consist of True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, and/or essay/short answer.
The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of True/False and multiple choice
Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom once testing has begun. If the student leaves the room, then their test will be taken up and graded based on the questions they have answered up to that point.
Participation:
- Attendance
- Attending out of class activities
- Additional assignments: ex. Worksheets, short papers, etc…
- Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions. You must be present and prepared to actively participate in class discussions.
Quizzes:
There will be 11 chapter quizzes given throughout the year. You must be present at the beginning of class when the quiz is handed out, if you come into class after the quiz is handed out you will not be permitted to take the quiz.
Grading Scheme:
Exam’s 40%
Participation 25%
Quizzes 35%
Total 100%
A = 100%-89.5%
B = 89.4%-79.5%
C = 79.4%-69.5%
D = 69.4%-59.5%
F = 59.4% and below
Makeup Policy:
NO EXAMS or QUIZZES CAN BE MADE UP or RE-TAKEN.
Extra Credit: All extra credit is due Monday May 2, 2016, NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Students have the opportunity to participate in two (2) extra credit assignments for a total of 15 points added to your final exam. Student’s participation is optional. Students are encouraged to complete the extra credit assignment to mitigate against lost points.
- This assignment is worth a total of 5 points. Students may choose to keep a homework notebook. At the end of each chapter I will provide a homework assignment. If you choose to participate in this assignment, you must complete every chapter homework assignment to receive credit. I will not provide copies of homework that you miss because you did not attend class. Each assignment will need to be typed and placed into a binder. You will turn in the binder on the day extra credit is due.
- This assignment is worth a total of 10 points. Students may choose to watch the Netflix documentary entitled “Making a Murder”. This documentary is a total of 10 hours, students may choose to watch this film on their own time or at the designated times in the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to watch the film in the classroom starting on March 22nd from 4:30-5:30. I will show one episode of film on each Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30, through April 21st. After watching the film, students will be required to write a 3-5 page analytical paper regarding; police, judicial and prosecutorial misconduct.
DO NOT CONTACT ME AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER REGARDING EXTRA CREDIT, THESE ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR EXTRA CREDIT.
Attendance
Attendance and participation are required. A roll sheet will be handed out at the beginning of class, you will sign acknowledging you are present. If you come in after the sign in sheet has been passed around, you will not be allowed to sign in and will be counted absent for that day. A student is allowed (2) two absences. Each additional absence will result in 5 points being taken off of the participation grade. In addition, students who regularly attend class and frequently contribute to class discussions may receive an additional point or two if they are on the border of receiving a higher grade at the end of the term.
It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course or withdraw from the college. Failure to drop the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”. The last day to drop is April 21, 2016, you must have my permission to drop. You need to send me an email requesting to drop the class and the reason behind it.
Calendar
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01/20/16 Week 1 01/25-01/29/16 |
Introduction, class overview ; read chapter 1; complete vocabulary assignment Topic: Crime and the Problem of social control- Chapter 1 |
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Reading
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 Power point notes  Chapter 2: |
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Assignments |
 Compare and contrast civil and criminal law |
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Main Classroom |
 Lecture- An overview of the United States Courts and controversies NO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27th |
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Week 2 02/01-02/05/16 |
Topic: Law and Crime- Chapter 2 |
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Reading |
 Power point notes  Chapter 3 |
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Assignments |
 Develop a timeline of the history of the federal courts Construct a diagram of the federal court system |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 1 quiz  Lecture- An overview of the adversary system, the rights of the accused, civil and criminal law, and elements of a crime  Movie- Plan to stay until 12:40pm on Wednesday February 3rd |
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Week 3 02/08-02/12/16 |
Topic: Federal Courts- Chapter 3 |
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Reading |
 Power point Notes  Chapter 4 |
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Assignments |
 Develop a timeline of the history of the state courts Construct a diagram of the Texas Court System |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 2 quiz  Lecture- How the court is organized, history of the Federal courts, types of federal courts and judges.  Documentary- The Supreme Courts
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Week 4 02/15-02/19/16 |
Topic: State Courts- Chapter 4 |
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Reading |
 Power point notes  Chapter 5 |
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Assignments |
 None |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 3 quiz  Lecture- History of state courts, trial courts, and appellate courts  Video- the state court system |
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Week 5 02/22-02/26/16 |
Topic: The Dynamics of Courthouse Justice- Chapter 5 |
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Reading |
 Power Point Notes  Chapter 6 |
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Assignments |
 Construct a Vinn Diagram comparing and contrasting federal and state prosecutors. https://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/venn.pdf |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 4 quiz  Lecture- Who makes up the court room dynamics? |
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Week 6 02/29-03/04/16 |
Topic: Prosecutors- Chapter 6 |
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Reading |
 Power Point Notes  Chapter 7 |
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Assignments |
 Study for Mid-term, use previous quizzes and assignments |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 5 quiz  Guest speaker from the Randall County DA’s office
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Week 7 03/07-03/10/16 |
Topic: Midterm Defense Attorneys- Chapter 7 |
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Reading |
 Power Points Notes |
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Assignments |
 None |
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Main Classroom |
 Midterm- Wednesday March 9th- Chapters 1-6  Watch documentary Gideon’s Army |
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Week 8 03/14-03/18/16 |
Spring Break |
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 Read Chapter 8 |
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Assignments: |
 Watch the following videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwBelwlgM4I https://ballotpedia.org/Top_5_List_of_Real-Life_Judicial_Misconduct |
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Week 9 03/21-03/25/16 |
Topic: Defense Attorneys- Chapter 7 Judges- Chapter 8 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Chapter 10 |
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Assignments |
 Using the example to outline the court process from arrest through bail. (leave room to add on to this assignment) Watch the following video |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 6 quiz  Lecture- The position of judges, how someone becomes a judge, and judicial misconduct.  Class Discussion- Judicial misconduct
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Week 10 03/28-04/01/16 |
Topic: From Arrest and Bail through Arraignment- Chapter 10 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Chapter 12 |
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Assignments |
 Watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih7bi6AGBLQ
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 7/8 quiz  Class Discussion  Lecture- How cases process through the criminal justice system. |
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Week 11 04/04-04/08/16 |
Topic: Negotiated Justice and the Plea of Guilty- Chapter 12 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Chapter 13 |
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Assignments |
 Find what the requirements are for jury selection and to sit on a jury here in the state of Texas (create a written document) |
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Main Classroom |
 Chapter 10 quiz  Documentary – The Plea  Lecture- Type of plea bargains, why bargaining occurs, and why cases go to trial. |
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Week 12 04/11-04/15/16 |
Topic: Trial and Juries- Chapter 13 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Chapter 15  Chapter 16 |
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Assignments |
 Find out what the sentencing guidelines are for felony and misdemeanor offenses in Texas (create a written document) |
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Main Classroom |
 Class Discussion- The process of selecting a jury and how trials are conducted.  Chapter 12 quiz
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Week 13 04/18-04/21/16 |
Topic: Sentencing Decisions- Chapter 15 Appellate and Habeas Corpus Review- Chapter 16 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Chapter 17 |
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Assignments |
 Construct a diagram of the juvenile court process from intake to disposition. Using the following example, create a chart that shows the difference between the terminology in Juvenile court verses Adult court
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Main Classroom |
 Class Discussion- How sentences are decided and how the appellate process is conducted  Chapter 13 quiz |
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Week 14 04/25-04/29/16 |
Topic: Juvenile courts- Chapter 17 |
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Reading |
 Power Point notes  Review for Final Exam (use you chapter quizzes and assignments as reviews) |
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Assignments |
 None |
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Main Classroom |
 Class Discussion  Chapter 15/16 quiz  lecture  Documentary- Juvenile Prisons |
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Week 15 05/02-05/06/16 |
Topic: Final Exam Review |
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Main Classroom |
 Review for final exam 05/02/16  Study day 05/06/16 |
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Week 15 05/09-05/13/16 |
Topic: Final Exam |
Additional Information
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ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format:
Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.
Title of paper Your name Introduction to Criminal Justice Instructor Haskins |
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Making a Murder Paper guidelines
Purpose- To analyze the issue of how different types of misconduct by; police, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges directly impacted the verdict in Avery case.
Please refer to the following website for more information on how to write an analytical essay: Length –
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Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM