EMAIL ME: THE VERY BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME is through email through your AC email account. You can also email be by going through the ONLINE BLACKBOARD MESSAGING FUNCTION, which is located in each class Blackboard sight. When messaging via Blackboard please check the box at the bottom to have the message emailed to me. PHONE CONTACT: THE SECOND BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME is to CALL ME/TEXT ME on my CELL PHONE at 806-341-9718. If you leave a message, please let me know your NAME and the CLASS YOU ARE IN with the section number, so I can be prepared to talk with you when I CALL YOU BACK. PLEASE NOTE: If you are dissatisfied with the instructor or something that happens in class, DO NOT TEXT ME ABOUT IT, you need to speak to me in person. OFFICE HOURS and APPOINTMENT TIMES IN PERSON: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00am-10:00am, and Friday by appointment. If How will I contact you and impart information about the class? The primary method of communication from me will be through course announcements and/or email/message(s). All course announcements will be posted under the Announcements at the top of the course in Blackboard . Make sure to check your announcements/emails at least every other day to ensure you don’t miss out on important information. |
Communication Policy
Generally speaking, you can expect a response to your email/course message within 24 hours from the time you send your correspondence. However, there will be times when it could take slightly longer to respond. If you send an email and don’t receive a response, please make sure you follow up with me. If you send me a text, please include your name and which class you’re enrolled in. If you call and don’t receive an answer, please leave a message and I’ll call you back.
In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:
Option 1| The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located at the First Responder Academy at 3701 Plains Blvd. The general phone number is (806) 457-4450. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
Option 2| ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
Option 3| CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. Assistance is provided for: Logging-in to AC Connect, Password resets; How to use AC Online; Microsoft Office help/ Microsoft Office alternatives; General computer/software questions. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, Library, 2nd floor, Suite 205 and their hours are:
Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 9pm (Library Research Desk on the 4th Floor of WARE)
Friday, 8am – 5pm (WARE 205)
Option 4| AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources
This course is built upon the premise that students from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints benefit by taking this course together, that students' varying learning needs be addressed in and out of the virtual classroom, and the diversity students bring to this class be considered as a resource and advantage in the learning process.
Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. In addition, I have provided helpful information and links within the course.
You should always communicate with your classmates and instructor in a professional, considerate and courteous manner. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.
When you have a question, complaint, or issue regarding the course, you should contact me first. Other students or Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies. If the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact my immediate supervisor. This contact information is provided in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
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 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.
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
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
CRIJ-1310-002 Fundamentals of Criminal Law
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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
On Campus Course
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:
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 |
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/. 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: 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.
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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 / Learning Objectives
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".
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:
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Exams: ALL EXAMS IN THIS CLASS WILL BE TAKEN ONLINE.
Each student will be required to take four chapter exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester.
You will have 1 hour and 15 min to complete each exam.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. The final exam will be take in class on May 12, 2022 from 12:30pm- 2:30pm. The test will begin at 12:30pm and you will have two hours to complete the exam.
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Scheme:
Chapter exams 30%
Final exam 25%
Vocabulary Quizzes 15%
Assignments 10%
(Discussions, lecture quizzes, etc.)
Syllabus Quiz 10%
Attendance 10%
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 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! PLEASE DO NOT COME TO CLASS IF YOU HAVE COVID SYMPTOMS! Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
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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 May 3, 2022, you must have my permission to drop. Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:
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. |
This course is divided into eight (8) weeks. Students will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar which is located on the class site under the CONTENT tab. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments.
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
*Every attempt will be made to cover the above-noted material and schedule within the time constraints of this course. |
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Vocabulary Quizzes |
Students will complete weekly vocabulary quizzes that will cover each chapter covered that week. The due dates are located on the class calendar. |
Documentary Reflections |
Students will complete a refection assignment for each documentary we watch in class. More information will be given in class. The due dates are located on the class calendar. |
Format for all assignments. |
APA style Format:
Length requirements:
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Blackboard |
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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 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. 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, rent etc.., or if you just have questions about criminal justice or life in general, I will be more than happy to visit with you, just text, call, or email me! |
03/10/22 3:09 PM
03/10/22 3:14 PM