Revised 11/2021

ADJ 211 - Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedures I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches the elements of proof for major and common law crimes and legal classification of offenses. Studies the types, degrees, and admissibility of evidence and its presentation in criminal proceedings with emphasis on legal guidelines for methods and techniques of evidence acquisition. Surveys the procedural requirements from arrest to final disposition in the various American court systems with focus on the Virginia jurisdiction. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to the substantive criminal law, history, philosophy, definitions and elements of crimes, and application of the law.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

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

• Understand the sources of criminal law in America and elements of various criminal offenses.
• Assess basic legal defenses for specific crimes.
• Describe the collection, identification, preservation, and introduction of evidence.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Define key elements of criminal law including crimes against property, persons, and public order crime.
• Describe standards of proof needed in court.
• Discuss jurisdictional issues with the courts.
• Describe arrest procedures.
• Describe elements of crime.
• Explain effective testimony techniques.
• Discuss privileged communications.
• Examine defense strategies.
• Explain the capacity and competency to commit crime and legal defenses.
• Discuss constitutional law and the law origins.
• Examine procedural and substantive law.
• Review various statutory law cases and the rationale for the court rulings.

Optional Topics

Related subjects at the discretion of the instructor.