CRJU 2201 Syllabus

Subject Code

CRJU

Course Number

2201

Course Title

Criminal Courts

Prerequisites

Program admission

Corequisites

Terms Offered

Credit Hours

Course Description

This course examines the historical context of the development and functions of, and controversies in, the American court system. Topics include an examination of local, state, and federal court systems; the participants in trials; and courtroom and post-conviction processes. The course provides special emphasis on the rules and procedures relating to Georgia courts.

Course Outcomes

Introduction to the Courts

• Describe the process by which criminal laws are made.
• Explain the influence of common law on the American legal system.
• Identify the differences between criminal, civil, and administrative laws.
• Review the applicability of selected criminal defenses.
• Explain the history of courts and arrangements of modern courts.

Participants of a Trial

• Identify the function and key roles of the prosecutor.
• Identify the function and key roles of the defense attorney.
• Identify the function and key roles of the judge.
• Describe the roles and purposes of jurors, victims, court staff, and other participants.

Courtroom Processes

• Identify the points at which case attrition commonly occurs.
• Explain the types of bail and the bail process.
• Describe the types of plea bargains.
• Compare the arguments for and against plea bargains.
• Describe the elements of a criminal trial.

Post Conviction Process

• Compare the types of punishment to the justifications for punishment.
• Describe the process by which penalties are selected.
• Describe the importance of appeals.