Revised 8/2018

ADJ 212 - Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedures II (3 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches the elements of proof for major and common crimes and the legal classification of offenses. Studies the kinds, 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. Part II of II. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an exposure to the general rules of criminal court procedures including evidence rules concerning circumstantial, documentary, physical, and photographic evidence.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

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

  • define the various types of evidence used in court.
  • understand the exclusionary rules and exceptions to the rule.
  • assess legal requirements for basic evidentiary rules of criminal procedures including confessions, searches and seizures, interrogations, and additional law enforcement activities.
  • describe effective witnesses in court.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Define probable cause and expectations
  • Describe pre-trial identification procedures
  • Describe the difference between expert and lay witnesses
  • Explain the legal elements needed for impeachment of witnesses
  • Define hearsay and discuss expectations of hearsay within the courtroom
  • Define the different types of evidence
  • Explain all the steps of a trial and rules of evidence
  • Discuss legal requirements for electronic surveillance
  • Explain the legal requirements needed for confessions to be used in court
  • Examine the legal requirements for search and seizures
  • Explain the exclusionary rule and exceptions to the exclusionary rule
  • Describe the use of physical, circumstantial, documentary, physical, and photographic evidence

Optional Topics

Related topics at the discretion of the instructor