LAJ 520 - Constitutional Issues in Criminal Justice

Description:
This course examines constitutional issues emerging within the context of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, judiciary, corrections, and community supervision. United States Supreme Court decisions reversing and modifying previous case law and effecting criminal justice practices and policy will be presented and discussed. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: admission to the master of science program in law and justice or instructor permission.

Credits:
(5)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain and critique the basic structure and function of the court system with an emphasis on the procedure and politics involved with criminal courts.
Read, discuss, and critique selected United States Supreme Court decisions.
Identify and critique the legal policy and politics involving constitutional rights, principles, and problems in the criminal justice system. Students will critique the strengths and weaknesses of current state of case law in the United States.
Refine and apply oral and written abilities in understanding constitutional issues in criminal justice.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
Approved Fall 2017