PBS400: Fundamentals of Criminal Law Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of

material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research.

Course Description and Outcomes

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of criminal law. Major topics covered in the course include elements of various types of crimes, the nature and purpose of criminal responsibility, criminal defenses, and substantive offenses. This course also examines specific criminal cases to illustrate and apply many of the legal principles covered. Course Overview: Criminal law is the foundation of the justice system and it defines the behaviors that are prohibited, prosecuted, and punished. This class is relevant for individuals planning careers in criminal justice or law and provides insight into the philosophy of law and legal analysis and judicial decision-making. This course utilizes actual legal decisions that discuss and illustrate the material. Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the purpose and limitations of criminal law. 2. Distinguish and assess the various levels of criminal culpability. 3. Recognize and evaluate the different types of criminal offenses. 4. Apply and compare the elements of various criminal offenses. 5. Examine and assess the justifications of criminal behavior. 6. Compare and evaluate the excuses for criminal behavior. 7. Evaluate and develop arguments based on legal principles.

Participation & Attendance

Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. SAMPLE

Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible.

Course Materials

Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal.

Course Schedule

Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.

• Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.

• Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire.

• Critical Thinking Activities: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT.

Week # Readings Assignments

1

• Chapters 1, 2, & 3 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Apel, R. (2013). Sanctions, perceptions, and crime: Implications for criminal deterrence. Journal Of Quantitative Criminology, 29(1), 67-101. doi:10.1007/s10940-012-9170-1

• Boots, D.P., Bihari, J., & Elliott, E. (2009). The state of the castle: An overview of recent trends in state castle doctrine legislation and public policy. Criminal Justice Review 34(4), 515-535. doi: 10.1177/0734016809332095 (R)

• Davidson, M. (2011). The ritual of capital punishment. Criminal Justice Studies, 24(3), 227-240. doi:10.1080/1478601X.2011.593341

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Critical Thinking (75 points)

2

• Chapters 4 & 5 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Rhodes, W., Kling, R., & Johnston, P. (2007). Using booking data to model drug user arrest rates: A preliminary to estimating the prevalence of chronic drug use. Journal Of Quantitative Criminology, 23(1), 1-22. doi:10.1007/s10940-006-9016-9

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Live Classroom (0 points) • Portfolio Milestone ( 50

points ) SAMPLE

• Stokoe, E. & Edwards, D. (2008). Did you have permission to smash your neighbour’s door?’ Silly questions and their answers in police-suspect interrogations. Discourse Studies, 10(1), 89-111. doi: 10.1177/1461445607085592 (R) 10.1177/1461445607085592 (R)

3

• Chapter 6 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Jovanova, N., Bacanovich, O., & Trajanovksa, V. (2012). Media influence on fear of crime. Scientific Conference On Security & Euroatlantic Perspectives Of The Balkans Police Science & Police Profession, 2591-600.

• Ruhnka, J., & Loopesko, W. E. (2013). Risk management of email and internet use in the workplace. Journal Of Digital Forensics, Security & Law, 8(3), 7-19.

•

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Critical Thinking (75 points)

4

• Chapter 7 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Doyle, C. (2013). RICO: A brief sketch. Journal Of Current Issues In Crime, Law & Law Enforcement, 6(3), 225-265.

• Cohen, A.W. (2003). The racketeer’s progress: Commerce, crime, and the law in Chicago, 1900-1940. Journal of Urban History, 29(5), 575-593. doi: 10.1177/0096144203253888 (R)

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Portfolio Milestone ( 50

points)

5

• Chapters 8 & 9 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Bamgbose, O. (2004). Euthanasia: Another face of murder. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 48(1), 111-121. doi: 10.1177/0306624X03256662 (R)

• Dirks-Linhorst, P.A. & Kondrat, D. (2012). Tough on crime or beating the system: An evaluation of Missouri Department of Mental Health’s not guilty by reason of insanity murder acquittees. Homicide Studies, 16(2), 129-150. doi: 10.1177/1088767912438711 (R)

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Critical Thinking (120 points) • Live Classroom (0 points)

6

• Chapters 10 & 11 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Almond, P. (2009). Understanding the seriousness of corporate crime: Some lessons for the new ‘corporate manslaughter’ offence. Criminology and Criminal Justice, 9(2),

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Critical Thinking (100 points) • Portfolio Milestone ( 50

SAMPLE

145-164. doi: 10.1177/1748895809102550 (R) • Phillips, E. M. (2011). Pain, suffering, and humiliation: The

systemization of violence in kidnapping for ransom. Journal Of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20(8), 845-869. doi:10.1080/10926771.2011.626512

points)

7

• Chapters 12, 13, 14 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Braga, A.A., Hureau, D.M., & Papachristos, A.V. (2011). The relevance of micro places to citywide robbery trends: A longitudinal analysis of robbery incidents at street corners and block faces in Boston. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 48(1), 7-32. doi: 10.1177/0022427810384137 (R)

• Ragatz, L., & Fremouw, W. (2010). A critical examination of research on the psychological profiles of white-collar criminals. Journal Of Forensic Psychology Practice, 10(5), 373-402. doi:10.1080/15228932.2010.489846

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Portfolio Milestone ( 50

points)

8

• Chapters 15 & 16 in Contemporary Criminal Law: Concept, Cases and Controversies

• Monto, M.A. (2004). Female prostitution, customers, and violence. Violence Against Women,10(2), 160-188. doi: 10.1177/1077801203260948 (R)

• Symeonidou-Kastanidou, E. (2004). Defining terrorism. European Journal Of Crime, Criminal Law & Criminal Justice, 12(1), 14-35. doi:10.1163/1571817041268883

•

• Opening Exercise (0 points) • Discussion (25 points) • Mastery (10 points) • Portfolio (350 points)

Assignment Details

This course includes the following assignments/projects:

Module 1

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (75 points): Option #1: Purposes of Punishment Identify and describe the five different purposes of punishment. Then, rank the five purposes in order from most important to least important and explain your reasoning for the rankings. Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. SAMPLE

Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages).Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Option #2: Indeterminate and Determinate Sentences Convicted offenders can receive an indeterminate or determinate sentence of incarceration. Define both indeterminate and determinate sentences in conjunction with a specific crime. Then, explain which type of sentence you think is more effective in deterring future crimes.. Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages). Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Module 2 PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (50 points): Option #1: What Justice Means In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, you should begin to consider what “justice” means to you. Justice is a complex and often subjective term because it can be applied to many areas and issues, both within the justice system and outside of it. Consider your own knowledge of the criminal justice system, as well as current and relevant topics in society, as you formulate your concept of “justice.” Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. Submit a 4-6 pages essay (not including the title and reference pages). Include at least 3-5 credible, peer-reviewed sources to support your opinions. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. SAMPLE

Option #2: Factors of Culpability In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, you should begin to consider the different factors that impact a person’s criminal culpability, or how responsible an offender is for a crime. In conjunction with the four levels of culpability (purposely, knowingly, recklessly, and negligently), what other factors should be considered in determining how responsible a person is for his or her actions and, ultimately, the crime at hand? Submit a 4-6 page essay (not including the title and reference pages). Include at least 3-5 credible, peer-reviewed sources to support your opinions. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Module 3 CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (75 points): Option #1: Vicarious Liability Vicarious liability is sometimes debated and controversial because a non-offending party is being held responsible for the actions of another. For this assignment, explain what vicarious liability means. Then provide and explain two areas where vicarious liability is applied. Do you agree with this concept? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your stance. Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages). Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Option #2: Natural and Probable Consequences Doctrine This assignment requires that you see both sides of a case. Use the natural and probable consequences doctrine as a frame of reference; explain in detail what actions may be reasonable or unreasonable. You will start this assignment by explaining the natural and probable consequences doctrine. Then, you will examine and argue both sides of a DUI case. How could a prosecutor use this doctrine in a case involving a person driving while intoxicated, who then crashes and kills a passenger in his or her own car? Conversely, how could a defense attorney use this doctrine in the very same case? Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. SAMPLE

Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages).Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Module 4 PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (50 points): Option #1: Supporting Punishment In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far, provide support for Richard’s statements regarding his knowledge and understanding of the crime committed and his expectations regarding punishment. Be sure to consider and comment on Richard’s age, level of mental stability, and family history. Submit a 3-4 page essay (not including the title and reference pages). Include a minimum of three credible, peer-reviewed sources as references to support your opinions. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Option #2: Refuting Punishment In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far, refute Richard’s statements regarding his knowledge and understanding of the crime committed and his expectations regarding punishment. Be sure to consider and comment on Richard’s age, level of mental stability, and family history. Submit a 3-4 page essay (not including the title and reference pages). Include a minimum of three credible, peer-reviewed sources to support your opinions. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Module 5 SAMPLE

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (120 points): Option #1: Entrapment Entrapment can become an issue in cases where the government/law enforcement utilizes undercover officers, as is often done in drug cases. Describe the two tests for entrapment (subjective and objective). How can the government avoid entrapment issues in undercover narcotics investigations? Be sure to consider case law and any recent research in this area of entrapment, as well as how investigations are conducted. Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages).Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Option #2: Self-Defense Self-defense can be a complicated area and legal defense, especially in instances where lethal force has been used. In some states, the law requires that individuals retreat before using deadly force. Conversely, other states have the “stand your ground” rule, which does not require a person to retreat. Which do you agree with and why? Be sure to discuss case law and any recent research in this area of entrapment, as well as how investigations are conducted. Support and justify your opinions with credible sources. Submit a 3-4 page paper (not including the title and reference pages).Cite 3-5 references in the assignment, at least two of which are peer-reviewed articles. Format your paper according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Module 6 CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (100 points): Option #1: Reflection on the Course Materials As the course comes to a close, reflect on what you have learned. What did you find most interesting about this course? Why? Did any of the information you learned promote additional interests in the area of law or the criminal justice system? Did this course cause you to think about your current and future career aspirations? If so, how? SAMPLE

Submit a 3-4 page essay detailing your support for this position. Cite 2-3 credible sources to support your position. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

Option #2: Reflection on Your Career As the course comes to a close, reflect on what you have learned. How is this course applicable to your current and/or future career? Has this course prompted you to consider different employment goals? Also, what else would you like to learn about the law? Submit a 3-4 page essay detailing your support for this position. Cite 2-3 credible sources to support your position. Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (50 points): Option #1: Homicide Charges In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far about Richard, respond to the following question: If you were the prosecutor, with what form of homicide would you charge Richard? Be sure to consider the elements of the different forms of homicide and support why they do and do not apply in this case. You should also comment on Richard’s age at the time of the offense, the nature of the homicide, his state of mind at the time of the offense, and the abusive upbringing he experienced. Submit an essay of at least three pages (not including the title and reference pages) supporting your choice. You are encouraged to examine the levels of homicide, as covered in Module 6. Include a minimum of three credible sources to support your position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

Option #2: Developing a Defense In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far about Richard, respond to the following question: If you were his defense attorney, what defense would you pursue and why? Be sure to consider the different types of defenses and support, and decide which are most applicable to this case and why. You should also comment on Richard’s age at the time of the offense, the nature of the homicide, his state of mind at the time of the offense, and the abusive upbringing he experienced. SAMPLE

Submit an essay of at least three pages (not including the title and reference pages) supporting your position for an affirmative defense. You are encouraged to examine the justifications and excuses, as covered in Module 5. Include a minimum of three credible sources to support your position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

Module 7 PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (50 points): Option #1: Plea Agreement In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far, support the stance that Richard was better off taking the plea agreement. You should comment on the alternative (a jury trial) and the potential advantages and disadvantages of this option in comparison with the plea agreement. Submit an essay of at least 3-4 pages (not including the title and reference pages) supporting the position to take the plea agreement versus having a jury trial. Include a minimum of three credible sources to support your position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

Option #2: Jury Trials In preparation for the final Portfolio Project, and based on what you’ve learned so far, support the stance that Richard would have been better off having a jury trial. You should comment on the alternative (a plea agreement) and the potential advantages and disadvantages of this option in comparison with a jury trial. Submit an essay of at least 3-4 pages (not including the title and reference pages) supporting the position to take Richard’s case before a jury for trial. Include a minimum of three credible sources to support your position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. SAMPLE

Module 8 PORTFOLIO PROJECT (150 points): Option #1: Supporting Richard’s Sentence In light of everything you’ve read, studied, researched, and watched regarding Richard’s case, you must synthesize that material as you support that “justice” was achieved. Draw upon your own concept of justice, as well as the legal concept of justice. You should also consider the victims in this case and the impact that Richard’s sentence had on his life. Submit an essay of approximately 8 -10 pages (not including the title and reference pages) detailing your support for this position. Include a minimum of eight credible sources supporting this position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment. Option #2: Refuting Richard’s Sentence In light of everything you’ve read, studied, researched, and watched regarding Richard’s case, you must synthesize that material as you refute that “justice” was achieved. Draw upon your own concept of justice, as well as the legal concept of justice. You should also consider the victims in this case and the impact that Richard’s sentence had on his life. Submit an essay of approximately 8 -10 pages (not including the title and reference pages) detailing your support for this position. Include a minimum of eight credible sources supporting this position. Format your essay according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Remember, you must support your thinking, opinions, and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported. In-text references used throughout the paper must be included in an APA-formatted reference list.

Review the grading rubric, which can be accessed from the Course Information page. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions about this assignment.

Course Grading

Discussions 20% 200 Points Opening Exercises 0% 0 Points Live Classroom 0% 0 Points Mastery Exercises 8% 80 Points Critical Thinking 37% 370 Points Portfolio Project 35% 350 Points

Grading Scale and Policies

A 95.0 – 100

A- 90.0 – 94.9

B+ 86.7 – 89.9 SAMPLE

B 83.3 – 86.6

B- 80.0 – 83.2

C+ 75.0 – 79.9

C 70.0 – 74.9

D 60.0 – 69.9

F 59.9 or below

In-Classroom Policies For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies. Academic Integrity Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources. Citing Sources with APA Style All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the “APA Guide & Resources” link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions on your course’s Assignments page. Netiquette Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.

SAMPLE