Meyer, J. F., & Grant, D. R. (2003). The courts in our criminal justice system. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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1 MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics Course Syllabus Course Description Examines the various roles of criminal justice professionals, and proper procedures of evidence collection and processing within the legal system. Students explore ethical dilemmas and major ethical challenges throughout the criminal justice system. Course Textbook Meyer, J. F., & Grant, D. R. (2003). The courts in our criminal justice system. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Define terms related to criminal courts. 2. Describe the impact history has had on the criminal courts. 3. Describe how laws are created. 4. Explain the relationship between laws and the court system. 5. Analyze the court process from the committing of a crime through post convictions. 6. Examine how courts operate. 7. Differentiate the people involved in the court system. 8. Examine juvenile courts. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Unit Summaries: Each unit contains an overview, or summary, of the information to be covered. 2. The Unit Learning Objectives: Each unit contains learning objectives that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains reading assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. 4. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are a part of all CSU term courses. Information and specifications regarding these assignments are provided in the Academic Policies listed in the Course Menu bar. 5. Assessments: This course contains eight unit assessments one for each unit - to be completed at the end of each unit. Assessments are composed of ten multiple choice questions and two written response questions. 6. Research Paper: Information and specifications regarding this assignment are provided in the syllabus below. This assignment will need to be submitted no later than the end of the sixth week. 7. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 8. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Research Paper Your completed Research Paper will need to be submitted no later than the end of the Unit VI. MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 1

2 The Research Paper assignment for Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics will be based on one of the following topics: 1. The Use of Videotapes and Cameras in the Courtroom and the Jury Deliberation Room 2. Punishment: Too Much or Not Enough 3. A topic you select with the approval of your instructor After you have selected one of the previous topics (with your professor's approval for #3), write a well-organized and researched 4-7 page paper based on the trends, innovation, and the future of criminal justice or ethics. Your paper must contain a minimum of 5 resources from Internet sources, professional journal articles or resources related to the profession. Your text may serve as a source as well. To submit your Research Paper upload it using the "View/Complete" link provided in the Research Paper button located in the Course Menu. Do not your paper directly to your professor. By uploading your assignment using SafeAssign, your university record will automatically be updated to indicate you have submitted your paper and it will be provided to your professor for grading. APA Guidelines CSU requires that students use the APA style for papers and projects. Therefore, the APA rules for formatting, quoting, paraphrasing, citing, and listing of sources are to be followed. A document titled APA Guidelines Summary is available for you to download from the APA Guide Link, found in the Learning Resources area of the mycsu Student Portal. It may also be accessed from the Student Resources link on the Course Menu. This document provides links to several internet sites that provide comprehensive information on APA formatting, including examples and sample papers. CSU Grading Rubric for Papers/Projects The course papers will be graded based on the CSU Grading Rubric for all types of papers. In addition, all papers will be submitted for electronic evaluation to rule out plagiarism. Course projects will contain project specific grading criteria defined in the project directions. To view the rubric, click the Academic Policies link on the Course Menu, or by accessing the CSU Grading Rubric link, found in the Learning Resources area of the mycsu Student Portal. Communication Forums These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. Ask the Professor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions. Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or ed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 2

3 Grading Discussion Boards 2%) = 16% Unit Assessments 8%) = 64% Research Paper = 20% Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 3

4 MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I Introduction to the Courts and Crimes and Defenses Step 1: A Society Designs Laws Step 2: A Crime Is Committed Step 3: After Arrest: Law, the Court, and Post-Arrest Procedures Unit II History of the Courts Step 4: The Courts Get Involved: The History of Courts and the Arrangement of Modern Courts Unit III Prosecution and Defense Step 5: A Prosecutor Considers the Charges Step 6: A Defense Lawyer Is Selected: The Defense Role MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 4

5 MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics Course Schedule Unit IV Judges and Jurors and Other Courtroom Participants Step 7: A Judge Is Assigned to Hear the Case Step 8: Jurors and Other Key Participants in the Courtroom Play Their Roles Unit V Case Attrition and Bail System Step 9: Some Cases Don't Make It to Court Step 10: "You Ring, We Spring": The Role of Bail in the Court System Unit VI Plea Bargains and The Trial Step 11: Plea Bargaining Step 12: Your Day in Court: The Trial Begins Research Paper by MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 5

6 MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics Course Schedule Unit VII The Punishment Dilemma and Sentencing Step 13: The Punishment Dilemma Step 14: $30 or 30 Days: Setting the Penalty Unit VIII Appeals and Juvenile Courts Step 15: Appeals Step 16: Juvenile Courts MCJ 6257, Criminal Courts and Professional Ethics 6