COURSE DESCRIPTION

Presents an overview of the American judiciary -- the federal and state judicial systems -- with emphasis on criminal court structures, functions, and personnel. Surveys the judicial system in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of the role of the courts (federal and state) and how they relate to the adult offender in the criminal justice system.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

None

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

A. prepare to be an active participant in the criminal justice system by learning about the role of the courts (federal and state) in the criminal justice system

B. understand the operation of the judicial system of the Commonwealth of Virginia

A. Legal basis of the criminal courts

1. criminal procedures
2. criminal law
3. the organization of the courts

B. Introduce the legal actors
 
1. judges
2. prosecutors
3. defense attorneys with emphasis on the working relationships between them and their exercise of discretion

C. General stages that a case passes through from arrest to determination of guilt or

D. Innocence

E. Sentencing procedures for the guilty

F. Identify problems with the system and discuss key aspects of reforming the criminal court process

Related topics at the discretion of the instructor

Revised 9/99