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Fundamentals of Criminal Law Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Constance Haskins (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

clhaskins@actx.edu

Phone

<p>O: 806-457-4462</p>

Office Location

First Responders Academy Bldg.

3701 Plains Blvd, Office #1029

Office Hours

Contacting Me

The best way to contact me is through your Amarillo College (AC) email account or Blackboard Messages.

If you send a message through Blackboard, please check the box at the bottom of the message so that a copy is also sent to my email.

You may also call or text my cell phone at 806-341-9718. If you leave a voicemail or send a text, please include your:

  • Name
  • Course
  • Section number

This information helps me identify your class and respond to your question more efficiently.

Response Time

I generally respond to emails and Blackboard messages within 24–48 hours during the workweek.

Messages, emails, and texts sent after 6:00 PM, on weekends, or on college holidays may not be answered until the next business day. I occasionally check messages outside of these hours, but an immediate response should not be expected.

Please plan accordingly when you have questions about assignments. Waiting until the day or evening an assignment is due to contact me does not guarantee that you will receive a response before the deadline.

If you have not received a response after 48 hours during the workweek, please feel free to follow up.

Fall Office Hours & Appointments

I am available to meet with students during the following regular office hours:

Tuesdays &Thursday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Friday: By appointment only.

Students are welcome to stop by during my regular Monday–Thursday office hours for assistance with course content, assignments, grades, or other course-related questions.

If you are unable to meet during these hours, please contact me through AC email or Blackboard Messages. I will be happy to work with you to schedule an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

Meetings may be held:

  • In person at my office
  • Virtually through Google Meet, FaceTime, or another approved platform

Course Communication

Important course information will be communicated primarily through:

  • Blackboard Announcements – Course updates, reminders, deadlines, and other important information
  • Blackboard Messages/AC Email – Individual communication between students and the instructor

Students are expected to check Blackboard announcements, messages, and their AC email at least every other day. You are responsible for information communicated through these channels.

Professional Communication Expectations

All communication in this course—including email, Blackboard Messages, discussion boards, text messages, and other course-related communication—must remain professional, respectful, and courteous.

You are always welcome to ask questions, disagree with a grade, request clarification, or express a concern. However, disagreement or frustration does not excuse disrespectful or inappropriate communication.

The following will not be tolerated:

  • Rude, condescending, insulting, or demeaning language
  • Profanity, personal attacks, threats, or harassment
  • Demanding that a grade or course decision be changed
  • Repeatedly sending messages because you have not received an immediate response
  • Disrespectful comments directed toward the instructor or another student

If you disagree with a grade, please review the assignment instructions, grading rubric, and instructor feedback before contacting me. I am happy to explain a grade or discuss your concerns, but I will not engage in disrespectful, threatening, or abusive communication.

Students who send inappropriate or disrespectful messages may be asked to rewrite the communication professionally before the issue is addressed. Serious or repeated behavior may be documented and referred to the appropriate college administrator in accordance with the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct.

Professional communication is an expectation of this course and an important skill for anyone preparing to work in the criminal justice field.

Additional Assistance

If you are unable to contact me directly or need additional college assistance, the following resources are available:

Criminal Justice Department
First Responders Academy – Office #1007
Phone: (806) 457-4450

ASK AC Helpline
Phone: (806) 371-5000
Email: askac@actx.edu

CTL Student & Faculty Help Center
Phone: (806) 371-5992
Washington Street Campus – WARE Building

AC Connect Student Resources
https://www.actx.edu/student-resources

 

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1310-001 Fundamentals of Criminal Law

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Contemporary Criminal Law, Matthew Lippman 4rd Edition, ISBN# 978-1-4833-7936-4

https://www.directtextbook.com/large/1483379361.jpg

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives

  1. Identify the elements of crimes and defenses under Texas statutes, Model Penal Code, and case law.
  2. Classify offenses and articulate penalties for various crimes.
  3. Compare culpable mental states when assigning criminal responsibility.
  4. Assess the impact of history and philosophy on current criminal laws.
  5. Evaluate the application of criminal law to other areas of criminal justice such as law enforcement and corrections.

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

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.

  1. Tests are given after every 4 chapters
  2. Read the chapters; take good notes
  3. Be on time and stay until the end

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 the utmost importance that you read the assigned reading for that particular lecture in the textbook. If for some reason 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 your 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.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS:

  • This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week studying for this class, outside of class.
  • Studying in college is a complex task, in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, and study skills, among others…
  • Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.
  • Students report that it is helpful to make a flash card for each paragraph of reading material. They ask a question on one side of the card and answer it in their own words on the other side of the card. Then, they have a way of testing their understanding of the content.

Behavior policy.

Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult, college students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, and the college. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement.

Prohibited behavior includes, but are not limited to the following:

  • Arriving late or leaving early from the classroom
  • Talking on the cellphone or text messaging
  • Carrying on side conversations with classmates
  • Sleeping
  • Doing other coursework, or reading the newspaper or other materials not related to the course
  • Speaking rudely or forcefully to classmates
  • Speaking rudely or forcefully to the instructor, questioning the instructor’s authority, expressing anger about a grade, or generally disrupting the instructor’s ability to teach
  • Dominating the class discussion by not allowing other students to speak

PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 12:30 p.m.

 

Exams:
Each student will be required to take three chapter exams
The chapter exams will consist of True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, and/or essay/short answer.

Final Exam:

The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of 100 True/False and/or multiple choice questions.

 

Final Exam Exemption Opportunity

If you complete ALL assignments, including taking every exam (and pass each exam with a minimum of a 70) and have a minimum comprehensive course average of 80 or above, you will be “exempt” from taking the final exam.

There will be no exception to this exemption opportunity. If you do not turn in an assignment, if you miss an exam, if you do not attend off site tours, or if you miss more than 2 days of class for any reason, you will no longer be considered exempt from taking the final exam. Please realize that it is not that I am not understanding to situations that may come up during the semester. The purpose of this exemption opportunity is to encourage you all to attend class, prepare for exams, and complete all course work timely.

On October 4, 2017 I will be sending an email to all students who have been designated as “exempt”. If you do not receive an email from me indicating such, then you MUST take the final exam.

In the event that you are designated as “exempt” from taking the final exam, your highest chapter exam grade will serve as your final exam grade. For example, if your highest chapter test grade is a 79, you get designated as “exempt” and you choose not to take the final, then your highest chapter test grade of 79 will be the grade for your final exam.

In the event you are designated as “exempt” you still have the option of taking the final if you choose to do so.

Exam Day:

NO CELL PHONES, COMPUTERS, OR TABLETS ARE ALLOWED IN CLASS ON THE DAY OF EXAMS! If a student has one of these devices on the day of the test, the student will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to take the test.

Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom once testing has begun. If a student leaves the room, then their test will be taken up and graded based on the questions they have answered up to that point.

All tests will begin at 12:30 p.m., if a student enters the class after 12:45 p.m. they will not be allowed to take the test. YOU will have one hour and 15 minutes to complete each chapter exam, you will have two hours to complete the final exam.

A review sheet will be given for all exams.

Presentations:

  • Each student will chose a particular crime to present to the class.
  • Each student will complete an informative tri-fold poster board and a brief presentation to the class.
  • Each student will explain what crime they chose, how the crime is defined in the Texas Penal Code, and they will find a true life example of the crime they chose and present it to the class.
  • Presentations will be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes.
  • Presentations will take place at the beginning of class on the day that we are scheduled to cover the crime in class.

 

Critical Thinking Assignments:

  • Students will complete three scenario based reading assignments in which they will be required to read, interpret, and correctly apply various Texas criminal laws to fictional scenarios that would require legal intervention in the real world.

 
 

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Scheme:
Chapter exams 25%

Final 20%

Critical thinking assignments 20%

Attendance 10%

Presentations 25%


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
 

You get the grade you earn. At the end of the semester, if you have a final grade of an 89.5 you will receive an A, if you have a final grade of 89.4 you will receive a B.

 

Makeup Policy:

Because you have the opportunity to be exempted from the final, no makeup work or exam makeups will be allowed.

Extra Credit:  There is not an “extra credit” option. I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit. I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required. A role 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 10 points, per additional absence, being taken off of the attendance grade. STUDENTS HAVE FAILED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT ATTEND CLASS!

  1. 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 October 3, 2017, you must have my permission to drop.

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE: The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

 

Calendar

Calendar- This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any time

Date Class Activity/Schedule
Week 1

August 21 Syllabus, Course Dates, Class Structure Review,

Read chapters 1 & 2
August 22 The Nature, Purpose, and Function of Criminal Law (Chapter 1)

August 23 Finish Chapter 1, Constitutional Limitations (Chapter 2)

August 24 Finish Chapter 2

 

Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 3 & 4

Complete critical thinking assignment #1

 

Week 2

August 28 Punishment and Sentencing (Chapter 3)

August 29 Finish chapter 3

August 30 Actus Reus (Chapter 4)

August 31 Finish chapter 4,

Critical thinking assignment #1 due at the beginning of class. Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 5 & 6, Study for test #1

Week 3

Sept 4 No Class

Sept 5 Test #1 (chapters 1-4)

Sept 6 Mens Rea, Concurrence, Causation (Chapter 5)

Sept 7 Parties to crime and Vicarious Liability (Chapter 6)

 

Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 7 & 8,

Complete critical thinking assignment #2

Week 4

Sept 11 Attempts, Conspiracy, and Solicitation (Chapter 7)

Sept 12 Finish chapter 7

Sept 13 Justification (Chapter 8)

Sept 14 Finish chapter 8,

Critical thinking assignment #2 due at the beginning of class.

 

Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 9&10, Study for test #2

 

Week 5- Presentations begin

Sept 18 Test #2 (chapters 5-8)

Sept 19 Excuses (Chapter 9)

Sept 20 Finish chapter 9, Homicide (Chapter 10)

Homicide presentation due

Sept 21 Finish Chapter 10

 

Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 11&12,

 

Week 6

Sept 25 Criminal Sexual Conduct, Assault and Battery, Kidnapping,

and False Imprisonment (Chapter 11)

Rape, assault/battery presentation due

Sept 26 Finish chapter 11

Kidnapping presentation due

Sept 27 Burglary, Trespass, Arson, and Mischief (Chapter 12)

Burglary, trespass presentation due

Sept 28 Finish chapter 12,

Arson presentation due

Critical thinking assignment #3 due at the beginning of class.

 

Out of class assignments: Read Chapters 13 &15, Study for exam #3

Week 7

Oct 2 Test #3 (chapters 9-12)

Oct 3 Crimes Against Property (Chapter 13)

Last day to drop

Larceny/theft, Robbery presentation due

Oct 4 Finish chapter 13

Disorderly conduct presentation due

Oct 5 Crimes Against Public Order and Morality (Chapter 15)

Public indecency presentation due

Out of class assignments: Read chapter 16,

Study for Final Exam,

Complete critical thinking assignment #4

 

Week 8

Oct 9 Crimes Against the State (Chapter 16)

Treason, Espionage presentations due

Oct 10 In class review for the final

Oct 11 Study day

Oct 12 Final Exam 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Additional Information

Format for all assignments.

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

APA style https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

 

Format:

  • Use 8.5” x 11” paper
  • Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges.
  • Page number should be in the top right corner.
  • Indent each new paragraph
  • Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Fundamentals of Criminal Law

Instructor Haskins

Critical Thinking Assignments
  • Go to Blackboard and print off the required case scenario
  • Read the scenario and research which statute(s) of the Texas Penal Code applies to the scenario presented and what exactly the prosecutor will have to prove in order to secure a conviction.
  • Students will then construct a typed paper containing the following information:

I: Introduction

II: Summary of the case

III: The statutes of the Texas Penal Code that apply to the case. Include which chapters and sections of the Texas Penal Code apply to the case.

IV: Explanation of what exactly the prosecution will have to prove in order to secure a conviction. Also, include type of punishment that will be received.

V: Conclusion

  • Each section will be in paragraph format (6 to 7 sentences) with correct grammar and spelling. Make sure to use the correct APA format for citing your sources in the paper. (Example Entry: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, Cal. Penal Code § 11164 et seq)
  • Please see above “Format for all assignments” for format requirements for these assignments.
  • Grading Rubric will be provided via Blackboard.

Blackboard
  • Check Blackboard DAILY
  • Examples of previous students work will be available for you to view. This will give you examples to reference.
  • Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard.

 

Syllabus Created on:

08/01/17 9:46 PM

Last Edited on:

08/01/17 10:37 PM