CJ 233 - Principles of Criminal Law

2.  Identify the primary theories of punishment and explain their differences.

3.  Explain the Constitutional limitations on the criminal law.

4.  Explain the concepts of actus reus and mens rea and identify those elements in substantive crimes.

5.  Describe the difference between justification and excuse defenses and explain the role they play in determining criminal liability.

6.  Apply the principles of vicarious liability to determine the extent of accessory liability.

7.  Describes the elements of the inchoate offenses and apply them to factual scenarios.

8.  Apply the elements of major criminal offenses to factual scenarios to determine whether a suspect is guilty of a particular crime.

9.  Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues.

10.  Make connections between academic learning at GRCC and the knowledge and skills necessary for careers of interest.  
Course Outline:
I. Overview

I.A. Criminal Law in US Society

I.B. Classifying Crimes

I.C.  Sources of Criminal Law

I.D. Criminal Punishment in US Society

II. Constitutional Limits on Criminal Law

II.A. Principle of Legality

II.B.  Bill of Rights

III.  Actus Reus

IV.  Mens Rea

V.  Justication Defenses

     V.A.  Self-Defense and Defense of Others

     V.B.  Choice of Evils Defense

     V.C.  Consent

VI.  Excuse Defenses

      VI.A.  Insanity and Diminished Capacity

       VI.B.  Duress

       VI.C.  Intoxication

       VI.D.  Entrapment

VII.  Vicarious Liability

VIII.  Inchoate Offenses

      VIII.A.  Attempt

      VIII.B.  Conspiracy

      VIII.C.  Solicitation

IX.  Crimes Against Persons

     IX.A.  Homicide

     IX.B.  Sex Offenses

     IX.C.  Assault

     IX.D.  Domestic VIolence

     IX.E.  Kidnapping

     IX.F.  Other

X.  Crimes Against Property

     X.A.  Larceny

     X.B.  Vandalism and Arson

     X.C.  Burglary and Trespass

     X.D.  Cybercrimes

     X.E.  Other

XI.  Public Order Crimes

     XI.A. Disorderly Conduct

     XI.B.  Quality of Life Crimes

     XI.C.  Victimless Crimes

     XI.D.  Other

XII.  Crimes Against the State

     XII.A.  Treason

     XII.B.  Sedition, Sabotage, and Espionage

     XII.C.  Terrorism

DIscussion:  25 to 50%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None