Goals+and+Outcomes

**[[file: CJ Syllabus 1.docx|Class Syllabus]]**

 * Educational goals and focus of the course:**


 * Obtain an understanding of the main components of the criminal justice system
 * Become familiar with current criminal justice issues, policies, and court cases
 * Understand the functions of the components of the criminal justice system and their Interrelationship.
 * Explain the need for a system of order maintenance and detail the role of law within that system.
 * Describe the nature of various constitutional provisions (due process, effective assistance of counsel, search and seizure)
 * Appreciate the tensions between the different purposes democratic societies have for punishing persons who break their rules.
 * Consider the different ways that democracies use the criminal justice system to define themselves and their values.
 * Provide research, critical thinking and practical skills training through a series of Mock Trials


 * Learning outcomes**


 * Differentiate between civil and criminal law
 * Explain relevant Constitutional Amendments and the philosophical basis for them
 * Understand various ethical issues inherent in criminal justice
 * Research potential Supreme Court cases and follow their progression through the courts
 * Assume the role of prosecutor, judge and defense lawyer and demonstrate knowledge and skills in carrying out the respective responsibilities
 * Within a mock-trial context: Analyze factual situations to gauge potential weaknesses of evidence
 * Use both direct and cross-examination techniques to obtain evidence and assert a person’s guilt or innocence
 * Explain the concept of justice in its various forms
 * Appreciate the tensions between the different purposes democratic societies have for punishing persons who break their rules.
 * Consider the different ways democracies use the criminal justice system to define themselves and their values.