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Fundamentals of Criminal Law Syllabus for 2018-2019
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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

 

Email / Blackboard Messaging
The best way to contact me is through email using your Amarillo College (AC) email account. You may also send a message through the Blackboard messaging feature located within each course. If you choose to message me through Blackboard, please be sure to check the box at the bottom of the message so that it is also sent to my email.

Phone Contact
The second best way to reach me is by calling or texting my cell phone at 806-341-9718. If you leave a voicemail or text message, please include your name, the course you are enrolled in, and the section number so that I can be prepared when returning your call. Please note that if you have a concern or are dissatisfied with something related to the course or instruction, you should speak with me in person so that we can discuss the matter appropriately.

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
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: By Appointment

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
• Blackboard Messages / Email – Used for individual communication

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
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

Online Professionalism & Digital Conduct

I. The Virtual Classroom

In this online course, AC Connect, discussion boards, and college email are official campus locations. All interactions must remain professional, respectful, and courteous. Per the Amarillo College Student Handbook, conduct policies apply to students "whether the activity takes place on or off campus," including all digital communications.

II. Prohibited Behavior

In accordance with Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities, any communication that is condescending, rude, disrespectful, hateful, or unprofessional will not be tolerated. Per the Student Handbook, "Unacceptable Conduct" is defined as any behavior "contrary to the best interest of the faculty or staff or the teaching/learning process." Specific prohibited behaviors include:

  • Aggressive Tone/Messaging: Using all-caps (shouting), demanding immediate responses, or "spamming" the instructor with multiple messages before the response window has passed.

  • Personal Attacks: Using profanity, slurs, or insulting the character/intelligence of the instructor or peers. (Handbook Ref: Disorderly Conduct / Abusive & Profane Language).

  • Grade Intimidation: Threatening an instructor’s job, reputation, or professional status due to grade dissatisfaction. (Handbook Ref: Behavior Targeting Others / Harassment of Employees).

  • Condescending Language: Belittling the instructor’s expertise, authority, or the validity of the course material.

III. Communication Boundaries & Netiquette

  • Response Window: I respond to professional inquiries within [Insert Hours, e.g., 24-48] hours during business days. Please plan your questions accordingly.

  • The "Cooling Off" Rule: If you are frustrated with a grade or policy, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours before sending an email. This ensures your communication remains professional and outcome-oriented.

  • Permanence of Record: Remember that all digital communication is archived. Hateful or threatening messages serve as permanent evidence in disciplinary proceedings.

IV. Repercussions

Failure to adhere to these standards is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in the following actions:

  1. Mandatory Revision: A formal request to rewrite and resend the communication using professional language before the matter is addressed.

  2. Loss of Points: Deduction of participation points for conduct occurring in public forums (discussion boards).

  3. Administrative Referral: Serious or repeated incidents (including harassment or threats) will be referred to the Dean of Students for formal disciplinary action.

  4. Administrative Withdrawal: Per College policy, abusive digital behavior toward faculty may result in permanent dismissal from the course.

V. Professionalism Modeling Guide

Unprofessional (Policy Violation)

Professional (Acceptable Standard)

"You need to change my grade now because this is unfair and I'm going to talk to your boss."

"I would like to schedule a time to discuss the feedback on my recent assignment to better understand my grade."

"I've emailed you twice in the last hour. Why aren't you answering? I need this fixed NOW."

"I am following up on my previous email regarding the quiz; I look forward to your guidance when you are available."

"I don't know why you're making us do this; it's a waste of time."

"I am having trouble seeing the connection between this assignment and the course goals; could you clarify the objective?"

Email Subject: "EXCUSE ME???"

Email Subject: "Question: [Course Name] - Assignment Due Friday"

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-1310-002 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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 5th  Edition, ISBN# 9781544308135

IMPORTANT: STUDENTS WILL NEED THEIR TEXTBOOK THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS

Textbooks may be purchased via the following methods:

  • In person at the Amarillo College bookstore in the College Union Building (CUB) on the Washington Street Campus at 24th and Jackson. Students can contact the bookstore at 806-371-5304 or via email at bookstore@actx.edu. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and in addition to these regularly scheduled hours, extended hours are announced for the beginning and ending of each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).  **Make sure you keep your receipt(s) for any purchases made at the college bookstore. They will not allow exchanges or returns without them!
  • Online through the Amarillo College bookstore or another online vendor. Access the bookstore's home page at https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/. Additional information is also available within the course on the “Student Resources” page.

The correct ISBN for the required class textbook is cited above. Students ordering their book online through the Amarillo College bookstore or through another vendor should ensure they order the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book the first week of class. You do NOT need to purchase the access codes for the textbook

Supplies

All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, Microsoft Word or some other type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.

Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Microsoft 360(includes Word) may be downloaded FREE from:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

Assistance with Computer Access

If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:

https://www.actx.edu/library/

The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.

  

Amarillo College Writer’s Corner

The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.

EMAIL ADDRESS:  writerscorner@actx.edu 

Phone: 345 5580   

LOCATION:  Ordway Hall, Room 102

Fall & Spring Semesters

Monday – Thursday

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Summer Sessions

Monday - Thursday

8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Criminal Justice Library Guide

http://actx.libguides.com/CriminalJustice

Detailed instruction available in course Blackboard

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system.
  2. Explain the nature and extent of crime in America.
  3. Analyze the impact and consequences of crime.
  4. Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system.
  5. Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes.

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. Read the chapters; take good notes
  2. Be on time and stay until the end
  3. Study for the exams

You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings. The textbook readings are intended to provide background information to my lecture.  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. 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.

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.
  • Read each chapter and take notes in class
  • Study the vocabulary words for each chapter.  You can use Kahoot to create flashcards
  • Form study groups with your fellow classmates

Behavior policy. 

In this class, students are expected 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 class
  • Having a cell phone in class. (please refer to the separate cell phone policy page)
  • Carrying on side conversations with classmates. Being loud, laughing, cussing, etc...
  • Sleeping
  • Doing other coursework, or reading the newspaper or other materials not related to the course
  • Complaining during class about your dissatisfaction with the class or the material being taught. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS.  If you have issues with anything regarding the class you need to see me during my office hours.
  • 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. THESE BEHAVIORS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATICALLY BEING DISMISSED FROM THE CLASS.
  • Dominating the class discussion by not allowing other students to speak
  • YELLING AT THE INSTRUCTOR, AT ANYTIME, WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT EXPULSION FROM THE CLASS

 

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

 

Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required, of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. This instructor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to occurrences of scholastic dishonesty. Occurrences of scholastic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will result in a grade of zero for the applicable assignment and/or removal from the course. Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as “…shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.” Determinations of scholastic dishonesty may be substantiated if a student engages in any of the following behaviors:

  • Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam
  • Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.”
  •  Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission.
  • Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.”
  • Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit
  • Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam
  • Claims credit for or submits work done by another student

A STUDENT WHO IS CAUGHT ENGAGING IN ANY OF THE BEHAVIORST LISTED ABOVE WILL RESEVE A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT OR TEST IN WHICH SCHOLASTIC INTEGRATY WAS IN AN ISSUE, THIS IS FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE ONLY.  IF THE BEHAVIOR CONTINUES THE STUDENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CLASS AND WILL RECEIVE A FINAL GRADE OF AN F FOR THE SEMESTER.

Exams:  

 


Each student will be required to take six chapter exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester. Your lowest test grade on the chapter exams will be dropped.

The chapter exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and/or essay questions. The final exam will be comprehensive and will consist of multiple choice questions.  

Chapter exams for this class will be taken online, you will have approximately 1 minute per question. All test will open at midnight on Sunday and will remain open until 11:59p.m on Sunday. While you will have access to your book, you will not have enough time to look up each questions. Having the test online does not mean you will not have to study for the exams.  Please do not wait until 11:30p.m. to start your test, should you have computer problems it would be too late to try and fix the issue and still have time to take the test.  You will only have one attempt at the test. Once the test is started you cannot pause the test, so be prepared to start and finish the test in one sitting. Once you begin the test, should you have any technical difficulties please test me and I will assist you the best that I can.

THE FINAL EXAM WILL BE TAKEN IN CLASS AT THE DESIGNATED TIME LISTED IN THE CALANDER.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF A REVIEW SHEET OR AN IN CLASS REVIEW. PLEASE DO NOT ASK, IF A REVIEW IS TO BE GIVEN, I WILL LET YOU KNOW

Test Dates ** ALL EXAMS ARE DUE BY Sunday at 11:59p.m. **

March 24:  Exam #1: Chapters  1-2

March 31:  Exam #2: Chapters  3-4

April 7:      Exam #3: Chapters  5-6

April 14:    Exam #4: Chapters  7-8

April 21     Exam #5  Chapters  9-10

April 28     Exam #6  Chapters  11-12

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Scheme:
Chapter exams                          30% 

Final                                          20%

Critical thinking paper              20%

Attendance                                15%

Penal code assignments            15%   

             
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. Students determine what their final grades are going to be, not professors. Please take responsibility for your work and make every effort to do your best.  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 the lowest chapter exam score is dropped, there will be no make-up exams.  If you miss a scheduled exam for any reason, that exam will be the exam score that will be dropped. The purpose for the drop grade is so that you can miss an exam for any reason, such as death in the family, illness, vacation, having a baby, not able to get your books on time, not having access to a computer, having to work, forgetting to take an exam, etc… DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP A TEST

 

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.   DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required.  A role sheet will be handed out at the end of class, you will sign acknowledging you were present in class for that particular day. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU SIGN THE ROLE SHEET. The role sheet is used to determine your attendance grade so it is extremely important that you make sure you are signing in to class.  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!

 

  

 

  

withdraw procedures

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 30, 2018, you must have my permission to drop.  

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • print out the Administrative Withdrawal Request form(https://www.actx.edu/registrar/withdraw-limitation-policy-sb-1231 )   and complete it. The form requires the instructor’s signature.
  • consult with their instructor to obtain instructors signature on the withdrawal request form
  • 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.

Calendar

Calendar- This calendar and its content is subject to change by the instructor at any time. Please note; various worksheets and films will be used at the discretion of the instructor.  

Date               Class Activity/Schedule  

             
Week 1- 03/18-03/24

  • Syllabus, Course Dates, Class Structure Review,
  • The Nature, Purpose, and Function of Criminal Law (Chapter 1)
  • Constitutional Limitations (Chapter 2)
  • March 22, 2019 Syllabus quiz due by 11:59p.m
  • March 24, 2019 Test #1 due by 11:59p.m
  • Out of class assignments:

-Read Chapters 1-4

-Complete Texas Penal Code assignment #1

-Study for test #1

Week 2- 03/25-03/31

  • Punishment and Sentencing (Chapter 3)
  • Start Actus Reus (Chapter 4)
  • March 29, 2019 Texas Penal Code assignment #1 due by 11:59 p.m.
  • March 31, 2019 Test #2 due by 11:59p.m.
  • Out of class assignments:     

-Read Chapters 5 & 6,

-Study for test #2

Week 3- 04/01-04/07

  • Mens Rea, Concurrence, Causation (Chapter 5)
  • Parties to crime and Vicarious Liability (Chapter 6)
  • April 7, 2019 Test #3 due by 11:59p.m
  • Out of class assignments:     

-Read Chapters 7 & 8,

-Complete Texas Penal Code assignment #2

-Study for test #3

Week 4-04/08-04/14

  • Documentary
  • Attempts, Conspiracy, and Solicitation (Chapter 7)
  • Justification (Chapter 8)
  • April 12, 2019Texas Penal Code assignment #2 due by 11:59 p.m.
  • April 14, 2019 Test #4 due by 11:59p.m
  • Out of class assignments:     

-Read Chapters 9&10, Study for test #2

-Study for test #4

Week 5- 04/15-04/21  

  • Excuses (Chapter 9)
  • Documentary  
  • Homicide (Chapter 10)
  • April 21, 2019 Test #5 due by 11:59p.m
  • Out of class assignments:     

Read Chapters 11&12,

Complete Texas Penal Code assignment #3

Study for test # 5

Week 6- 04/22-04/28

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct, Assault and Battery, Kidnapping,  and False Imprisonment  (Chapter 11)
  • Burglary, Trespass, Arson, and Mischief  (Chapter 12)
  • April 26, 2019Texas Penal Code assignment #3 due by 11:59 p.m           
  • April 28, 2019 Test #6 due by 11:59p.m    
  • Out of class assignments:     

-Read Chapters 13 &15

-Study for exam #6

Week 7-04/29-05/05

  • Documentary    
  • Crimes Against Property (Chapter 13)
  • Crimes Against Public Order and Morality (Chapter 15)
  • April 29, 2019 Critical thinking paper due by 11:59 p.m.
  • April 30, 2019 Last day to  drop
  • Out of class assignments:

-Read chapter 16, 

-Study for Final Exam,

                                                                                     

Week 8- 05/06-05/09

  • Crimes Against the State (Chapter 16)
  • May 9, 2019 Final Exam 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

*Every attempt will be made to cover the above-noted material and schedule within the time constraints of this course. This schedule may vary in order to allow sufficient time for class discussion and complexity of the material.*

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 Paper:

Instructions will be provided on the first day of class.   

Texas Penal Code 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.

Additional Information

Reproduction of Course Materials

Students are prohibited from reproducing any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture notes, class discussion boards or any other class materials. For purposes of the policy herein, “reproducing” applies to photographic reproduction, audio, video, or any other type of reproduction of course materials.

Students who create and/or share an unauthorized reproduction of course materials via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any footage be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized video may also be subject to copyright laws.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director: 

Recordings in Class

Students are prohibited from recording any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lectures, class discussions or other class activities. For purposes of the policy herein, “recording” applies to audio, video, or any other type of digital recording.

Students who create and/or share an unauthorized recording via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any footage be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized video may also be subject to copyright law.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director. 

Extra-Credit Opportunities

Determinations regarding whether or not extra-credit opportunities will be afforded to students is at the discretion of the instructor. In the event an option for extra-credit is offered by the instructor, comprehensive guidelines and information will be provided to the student. Students are not required to participate in extra-credit opportunities.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.

 

Student Complaints

A complaint is an allegation of improper, unfair, arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by college personnel. Students should attempt to resolve concerns informally with the instructor before filing a formal complaint. Any student or group of students may file a complaint concerning any campus issue. The Amarillo College Student Complaint Policy is described in detail in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.

If you have a complaint regarding the instructor or some aspect of the course, you should first contact your instructor immediately in person or via email and attempt to resolve the situation. If the situation can’t be resolved to your satisfaction, you should then contact Sarah E. Uselding, Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator at seuselding@actx.edu or Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs at ecwallace@actx.edu.

Questions, advice, etc…

Please note; I am more than happy to talk to you about whatever may be on your mind. If you need someone to talk to, need resources for food/gas, or if you just have questions about criminal justice, I will be more than happy to sit down and visit with you. However, those conversations will need to take place outside of class, just catch me after class and we can talk.  Please reserve all in class questions to only the material we are currently covering.

 

Syllabus Created on:

03/07/19 11:38 AM

Last Edited on:

03/07/19 12:54 PM