170 likes | 278 Views
CJS/SOC 220. Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice Process Class 1. Administrative. Give quiz 3 Return quiz 2 at the end of the class Any questions about assignments, reading or where we are?. Review. Mala in se crime Mala prohibita crime
E N D
CJS/SOC 220 Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice Process Class 1
Administrative • Give quiz 3 • Return quiz 2 at the end of the class • Any questions about assignments, reading or where we are?
Review • Mala in se crime • Mala prohibita crime • Crimes against persons, property and public order • Reasons why people do or don’t obey the law • Problematic that we all choose to obey some laws and violate others
Today • Aspects of Criminal Law • Nature of Due Process • Elements of a Crime • Criminal Liability and Defense
I. Aspects of Criminal Law • Substantive Criminal Law • Examples? • Procedural Criminal Law • Examples?
II. Nature of Due Process • Where does “due process of law” come from? • Basic Elements of due process? • Right not to be held without cause – hence habeas corpus • Right to know of what you are accused – hence arraignments • Right to a jury trial – of impartial peers • Right to be represented by counsel • Right to face your accuser(s) and confront the evidence against you – hence discovery and cross-examination • Right to present witnesses and evidence on your own behalf
III. Elements of a Crime • Mens Rea • Actus Reus • Concurrence • Other aspects of the circumstances
IV. Criminal Liability and Defense • What is criminal liability? • What is the most basic defense? • Other circumstances that may mean there is no criminal liability • Defenses related to inability to make sound judgments • “Stand your ground” laws passed by some states • Duress • Necessity • Entrapment
Next Time • Continue with issues of criminal law and the criminal justice process
CJS/SOC 220 Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice Process Class 2
Administrative • Return quizzes at the end of class
Review • Issues of substantive and procedural criminal law • Issues related to due process • Elements of a crime • Mens Rea • Actus Reus • Concurrence • Defenses to criminal charges (in addition to “I didn’t do it!”)
Today • Concerns with the Criminal Justice System • Steps in the system for defendants • Problem of accuracy
I. Concerns with the Criminal Justice System • What are some of these issues from the text? • Who is responsible? • Assisted suicide versus murder • Costs of the system • Fairness and accuracy • What are some such issues not in the text? • What do you think? • Victimless crimes? • Focus on street crime rather than corporate crime? • Impact of the criminal justice system on crime rates?
II. Steps in the system for defendants • Book covers what happens after arrest • Initial Appearance and Preliminary Hearing • Issue of plea appears at this point • Issue of bail appears at this point • Grand jury • Trial
III. Problem of Accuracy • Is there reason for concern with the accuracy of arrests, indictments and verdicts? • Why? • Is there any reason for concern with the accuracy of plea bargained outcomes? • Why?
Next Time • Start on the topic of police and other law enforcement agencies