CJ 211 - Criminal Law

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Description: This course is a study of the elements of criminal law, its purposes and function. Students will study the elements necessary to establish crime and criminal intent, sources of criminal law, criminal responsibility and general court procedures. Students will be able to explore the physical and mental requirements of a criminal act and compare the affirmative defenses available. The course will cover homicide and other assaultive crimes, sex offenses and other offenses to the family relationship, theft, robbery and burglary. Students will be able to recognize crimes such as forgery, false imprisonment, extortion and bribery, as well as crimes involving narcotic drugs and alcoholic beverages.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Fall
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Course Competencies

Examine the Nature, Purpose and Function of Criminal Law.
Examine the Limitations place on the criminal law by the Constitution.
Explore the criminal law in the area of Punishment and Sentencing.
Explore the criminal act itself (Actus Reus).
Explain the interaction between the Mens Rea (mental element) and its concurrence with the Actus Reus.
Explain the concepts of attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation.
Distinguish between the various criminal justifications such as self-defense, defense of others and home.
Distinguish between the valid excuses under the criminal law such as insanity, intoxication and under duress.
Explore the law of homicide.
Outline sex offenses, assaults, kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Recognize the elements of burglary, trespass, arson, and mischief.
Analyze the various crimes against property.