Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 124).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Identify and differentiate various types of evidence.
- Define and describe key rules of evidence.
- Critically evaluate and apply the rules of evidence to specific case facts.
- Prepare legal briefs of appellate course decisions.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Rules of evidence | 8.00 |
Types of evidence | 8.00 |
Witness competency | 8.00 |
Privileged communications | 6.00 |
Privilege against self-incrimination | 8.00 |
Hearsay | 3.00 |
Chain of custody | 3.00 |
Identification procedures | 7.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
Methods of Evaluation
- Homework
- Objective and subjective examinations/quizzes, Case analysis, In class exercises/presentations
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the chapter on qualification of witnesses. Review the law, paying particular attention to the legal standards for witness testimony. Come to class prepared to discuss the legal necessity for competent witness testimony both conceptually and as it relates to a fair trial.
- Read six appellate court decisions and be prepared to discuss in class.
Writing Assignments
- Read the chapter on cross examination. Prepare a one-two page legal brief of a related appellate court decision and orally present in class.
- Conduct legal research and define specified theories and terminology used in the judicial system.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Identify six constitutional legal issues that relate to written statutes and in an essay format summarize each.
- Define and summarize instructor provided vocabulary related to evidence within the judicial system.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Kenneth S. Broun, Walker J. Blakey. (2009). Evidence. West Group, 5th.
Other Learning Materials
Handouts regarding contitutional issues provided by the instructor.
Minimum Qualifications
Administration of Justice
Law (Masters Required)