Exploration of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments
to the United States Constitution, with specific attention to
the law governing criminal arrest, trial, and punishment.
Athena Title
Criminal Procedure
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4720
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will examine constitutional policy making by US Supreme Court in the area of criminal procedure.
Students will attain a basic understanding of protections afforded to citizens against the government in the area of criminal justice.
Students will develop an understanding of the varying legal and political influences that shape criminal procedure policy and doctrine.
Students will learn how to analyze court opinions and apply legal principles from those opinions to factual situations.
Students will learn how to communicate legal and policy issues in a structured and cogent manner.
Topical Outline
1. The Criminal Justice System, Courts, and Sources of Rights
2. Fourth Amendment: Search
3. Fourth Amendment: Arrests
4. Exclusionary Rule
5. Interrogation, Confessions, and Admissions
6. Right to Counsel and Effective Assistance
7. Identification and Pretrial Proceedings
8. A Defendant’s Rights at Trial
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
