Cincinnati Christian University Foster School of Biblical Studies, Arts & Sciences PLAW 200: Introduction to the Legal System 3 Semester Credit Hour Course every valuable end of capital Government is best answered by the enlightened confidence of the people: and by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of authority George Washington, first annual message to Congress Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Apostle Paul, Letter to Romans Professor: Bill Frank, J.D., CPA (Inactive) (513) 560-0021 bill.frank@ccuniversity.edu. billfrank30@gmail.com 3260 Milverton Court Cincinnati, OH 45248 Academic Term: Fall Semester 2015 Meeting Time: Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 pm to 12:15 pm I. CCU Mission Statement The mission of Cincinnati Christian University is to teach men and women to live by biblical principles and to equip and empower them with character, skills, insight, and vision to lead the Church and to impact society for Christ. II. Course Description This course introduces the basic concepts and structure in the American Legal System, its historical development, and the procedural and substantive elements that contribute to courtroom intrigue. III. Course Objectives The goal of this course is to prepare students to be informed, responsible, and thoughtful Christian leaders in an ever increasing regulated secular society. Moreover, this course should help students think critically about the American Legal System and how to best advocate for positive change. -1-
Over the course of the semester, students should experience the following: Learn an appreciation of the basic civil rights and civil liberties protected by the United States Constitution. Learn how under-represented groups have employed the legal system to defend their rights and liberties in the United States. Develop their own views of how to resolve legal disputes based on the application of a biblical worldview in a loving, just, equitable, and logically consistent manner. Improve their ability to develop and defend oral and written arguments. Appreciate the complexity of legal issues involved in balancing competing claims of rights and justice in a diverse society. Interface with actual participants in the legal system which include an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, a Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge, a Hamilton County Magistrate, a Cincinnati Police Officer and defense attorneys practicing civil and criminal law. Students will be assessed on their knowledge through a midterm exam, final exam and in-class Socratic discussions. In addition, students will be assessed on the development of their own views, their ability to craft arguments, and their appreciation of legal complexity through a mock trial exercise, a written legal assignment and in-class discussions. IV. Required textbooks and materials INTRODUCTION TO LAW, Fifth Edition Pub. Date: 2015 Publisher: Prentice Hall/Pearson Author: Joanne Banker Hames and Yvonne Ekern *I may also supply additional materials throughout the semester. V. Assignments/Course Agenda Week 1-August 25: Explanation of Syllabus. Law through the Ages: Code of Hammurabi; Cicero; Roman Law; Canon Law. The English Heritage: Magna Carta; Common Law; Development of Equity. The American Experience: Mayflower Compact; Assorted Colonial laws; Articles of Confederation; Declaration of Independence Important Assignment for Week 1: Read the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution -2-
Week 2 September 1: The U.S, Legal System; The Courts; Finding the Law; Using the Law Important Assignment for Week 2: Read the United States Constitution No Class September 8 Week 3 September 10: Week 4 September 15: U.S. Constitution: Separation of Powers; Checks and Balances; Judicial Review; Bill of Rights; Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Religion; Search and Seizure; Freedom from Self Incrimination Tort Law: Negligence; Product Liability; Intentional Torts; Damages; Workers Compensation; Environmental Law Week 5 September 22: Family Law: Prenuptial Agreements; Termination of Marriage; Child Custody, Support and Visitation; Family Law Court Proceedings Week 6 September29: Probate Law: Wills; Powers of Attorney; Trusts, Income and Estate Taxes No Class October 1 Week 7 October 6: Midterm Exam; Field Trip Week 8- October 13: Contract Law; Real Property Law; Intellectual Property Law; Employment Law Week 9 October 20: Business Law; Bankruptcy Law; Law of Agency; Sole Proprietorships; Partnerships; Corporations Week 10 October 27: Civil Procedure: Cause of Action and Remedies; Jurisdiction; Venue; Pleadings; Pretrial Motions; Discovery; Settlements Week 11 November 3: Criminal Law; Elements of a Crime; Crimes; Defenses -3-
Week 12 November 10: Criminal Procedure Before Trial; The Constitution and the Criminal Suspect; Interrogations and Confessions; Grand Jury Process Week 13 November 17: Rules of Evidence; The Trial: Jury Selection; Opening Statements; Closing Arguments; Examination, Cross Examination and Rebuttal; Jury Instructions; Jury Deliberation No classes Nov 24 and Nov 26 Week 14 December 1: Week 15 December 8: Final Exam: Mock Trials Mock Trials; Course Review Final Examination; assigned date and time TBD *I will hand out specific reading assignments at the end of class for the next week. I do not recommend reading ahead because I want the relevant material to be fresh in your mind. *Once guest speakers are confirmed, I will send out an email notification. VI. Grading Policy The letter grades will be assigned to percentages on a basis identical to the scale published in CCU catalogs. Your grade will be comprised of the following: Court Case Briefings 10% Midterm Exam: 20% Written Legal Assignment and Oral Presentation 25% Mock Trial Exercise: 25% Final Exam: 20% Caveat: I can alter the grading formula to reflect more adequately an individual student s learning, but only to improve the students grade, not to penalize the student. VII. Attendance and Integrity Policies We will follow the current institutional policies regarding attendance and academic integrity. If you need to miss class please inform me prior to that class. VIII. Disclaimers Please be aware that not all topics listed in the syllabus may be covered. In addition, I can announce modifications to the syllabus after the course begins. -4-
IX. Office location and hours I will not be keeping an office on campus. However, I will be reachable by email or at the number provided above. While I am not here full-time, I sincerely want you to succeed and will make appointments to meet with you outside of class, should that be required. X. Classroom Learning Experiences Much of classroom time will be spent utilizing the Socratic method of instruction. You will be expected to have completed the required readings for that day and be prepared to discuss the material in front of the class. At times, we will also have guest presenters that will carry some of the conversation. Class participation in terms of attentiveness and questions are essential during a guest presentation. XI. Disabilities Statement Students who require academic accommodations due to any documented physical, psychological, or learning disability must request assistance from Ray Horton via the Student Services Center. Students are encouraged to complete this request within the first two weeks of each semester. The Student Services Center is located on the second floor of Presidents Hall across from the elevator. You may contact Ray Horton by phone (244-8420) or email (ray.horton@ccuniversity.edu). Tutoring services in various subjects are also available. XII. Tips for Success in the Class First and foremost, I m asking you to care about this class. This material is fun and engaging because of what is at stake with these issues. You will get out of this class what you put into it. Therefore, I hope you dive in to the material. If you show up to class prepared to discuss and debate the issues for that day, then you will not only do well in this course you will thrive. -5-