CRMJ 1020 - Introduction to the Legal Process

3 sem hrs cr

This course addresses the structure and function of the judicial system and the major problems and needs of the judicial segment of the criminal justice system. Major emphasis is placed on the basic concepts of criminal law and administration. Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of ENGL 0810  and READ 0810  

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.

This course may include proctored exams which must be completed on campus or at an instructor approved proctoring center which may require additional costs to the student. Please consult your instructor for additional details.

  Formerly/Same As (Formerly CJA 2110)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to…

• identify the basic decision-making concepts present in a common law system.
• define private law and identify the following categories with it: contract law, tort law, family law, commercial law, business enterprises law.
• define public law and identify the following categories within it: constitutional law, administrative law.
• distinguish between civil law and criminal law.
• identify and describe the Bill of Rights.
• explain the process of selective incorporation.
• discuss the concept of the right to privacy contained in the 4th Amendment.
• describe the warrant requirement and the eight exceptions thereto.
• discuss the 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination.
• discuss the exclusionary rule.
• describe the historical origins of the American court system.
• discuss the concept of federal jurisdiction.
• identify the current structure of the federal court system.
• describe the process in which federal judges are chosen.
• discuss the structure of the various states’ court systems.
• describe the processes in which state court judges are chosen.
• describe procedural aspects of the federal court system.
• identify and describe the writs and certiorari and habeas corpus.
• describe the hierarchy and duties of federal court prosecutors.
• identify and describe the various types of prosecutorial discretion.
• discuss the role of the defense attorney.
• discuss the process of judicial decision making from both a legal and political perspective.
• discuss the concept of judicial policymaking.