CJS 320. Introduction to Criminal Law and Legal Analysis (3)

Prerequisite: SOC 250 or CJS 102 or CJS 302 or permission of instructor. This course creates a foundation in criminal law and legal procedure as applied to the criminal justice field. Rationales for punishing criminals, elements of crimes and defense of the accused are covered. In addition, this course examines tensions between various state statutes, the common law and the Model Penal Code. This course also emphasizes the ability to apply criminal law doctrine in order to make strong legal arguments as well as to engage in analysis of policy which embraces or criticizes current laws.