CRIM-201 Introduction to Criminal Law

The study of substantive criminal law as applied to the local, state, and federal systems. Crimes as prosecuted in a court of law are examined. Court decisions are used to address various sources and types of criminal laws.

Credits

Prerequisite

CRIM-101

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. Define crime and understand the origins of criminal law.
2. Distinguish the difference between a crime and a tort.
3. Identify and understand the various stages in the criminal process.
4. Identify the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th amendments.
5. Compare and contrast procedural due process versus substantive due process.
6. Distinguish between specific intent and general crimes.
7. Identify and analyze the various inchoate criminal offenses.
8. Identify and define common law crimes and their elements.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of Maryland Criminal law and contemporary applications.
10. Explain the burden of proof in criminal cases.
11. Describe the defenses to criminal conduct.
12. Understand and describe the stages of the administration of justice from arrest, booking, lineup,
preliminary hearing, grand jury, indictment, arraignment, and trial to sentencing.
13. Examine the development of common law offenses of perjury, embezzlement, compounding,
escape and contempt.
14. Describe and recognize defenses related to criminal responsibility.
15. Identify and analyze constitutional limitations on "search and seizure" and related 4th, 5th, and 14th
amendment considerations.
16. Identify the exceptions to the warrant requirement.
17. Define probable cause, arrest and reasonable force.
18. Understand and describe the pretrial process, motions, discovery and plea bargaining.
19. Recognize the right to trial, stages of trial and rules of evidence.
20. Examine the roles of the police, prosecution, and defense attorneys.
21. Identify the unique functions of juvenile courts and detention facilities.
22. Compare and contrast the various forms of punishment available at sentencing.
23. Discuss the differing views related to the death penalty.
24. Understand the practical application of criminal law in everyday activities.

Course Objectives

1. Define crime and understand the origins of criminal law.
2. Distinguish the difference between a crime and a tort.
3. Identify and understand the various stages in the criminal process.
4. Identify the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th amendments.
5. Compare and contrast procedural due process versus substantive due process.
6. Distinguish between specific intent and general crimes.
7. Identify and analyze the various inchoate criminal offenses.
8. Identify and define common law crimes and their elements.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of Maryland Criminal law and contemporary applications.
10. Explain the burden of proof in criminal cases.
11. Describe the defenses to criminal conduct.
12. Understand and describe the stages of the administration of justice from arrest, booking, lineup,
preliminary hearing, grand jury, indictment, arraignment, and trial to sentencing.
13. Examine the development of common law offenses of perjury, embezzlement, compounding,
escape and contempt.
14. Describe and recognize defenses related to criminal responsibility.
15. Identify and analyze constitutional limitations on "search and seizure" and related 4th, 5th, and 14th
amendment considerations.
16. Identify the exceptions to the warrant requirement.
17. Define probable cause, arrest and reasonable force.
18. Understand and describe the pretrial process, motions, discovery and plea bargaining.
19. Recognize the right to trial, stages of trial and rules of evidence.
20. Examine the roles of the police, prosecution, and defense attorneys.
21. Identify the unique functions of juvenile courts and detention facilities.
22. Compare and contrast the various forms of punishment available at sentencing.
23. Discuss the differing views related to the death penalty.
24. Understand the practical application of criminal law in everyday activities.