Structure:
This course is structured for students to move through the assignments with specific due dates for each section.  The dates are listed in REVEL (assignments). All activities are listed within the assignment including all quizzes. We do not have tests only quizzes throughout the course. Complete all activities within the assignments then move to the next assignment.  If you miss the deadline you will not be allowed to make it up.
 Also, we plan to have a discussion board for this course to be announced after the new year.

Course Description

This course is a study of the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; and criminal responsibility.

Course Objectives

See end of this syllabus for TCLEOSE course objectives Instructional Methodology.  At the instructor’s discretion, lecture, videos, class discussions, research papers, and class projects may be used to instruct the class.

Course Rationale

This course will cover information that will assist criminal justice students in continuation of higher education goals and their employment in the criminal justice system.

Attendance Requirements

A student at Austin Community College is expected to attend classes in order to progress satisfactorily toward completion of course objectives. Because objectives can vary from department to department and from course to course, individual CRJ instructors shall inform the student in writing of their specific course objectives, attendance policies, instructor office hours, and course grading policies at the first class meeting or during orientation. On-line courses are no different in that a consistent and active participation is required but not graded. 

Withdrawal Policy

Students may withdraw from a course at any time before the withdrawal deadlines. Should a student stop participating in class without withdrawing will result in the student receiving an "F" for the course. Students may withdraw from one or more courses prior to the withdrawal deadline by submitting a request form to Admissions and Records. Withdrawal courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of W.  NOTE: It should be understood that it is the student’s responsibility and not the instructors’ to drop a course.  Students are responsible for understanding the impact withdrawing from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status, and academic standing. Students are urged to consult with their instructor or an advisor before making schedule changes. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time after the fall of 2007 at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college pursuit. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses; contact an adviser or counselor for assistance.

Course agenda:

CHAPTER : Chapter 1: The Nature and History of Criminal Law

• Introduction
• 1.1: What Is Criminal Law? (6 points)
• 1.2: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives (6 points)
• 1.3: Common Law Tradition (6 points)
• 1.4: Types of Crimes (6 points)
• 1.5: The Purposes of Criminal Law (6 points)
• 1.6: Sources of Criminal Law (6 points)
• 1.7: The Modern U.S. Legal System (6 points)
• 1.8: An Adversarial, Accusatorial Due-Process System (6 points)
• >>> Point/Counterpoint Video: Adversarial Justice System
• 1.9: The Rule of Law (6 points)
• Chapter 1 Quiz: The Nature and History of Criminal Law (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 2: Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime

• Introduction
• 2.1: The Legal Essence of Criminal Conduct (6 points)
• 2.2: The Criminal Act (6 points)
• 2.3: State of Mind (6 points)
• 2.4: Strict Liability and Mens Rea (6 points)
• 2.5: Concurrence (6 points)
• Chapter 2 Summary: Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime
• Chapter 2 Quiz: Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 3: Expanding the Concept of Crime

• Introduction
• 3.1: Corpus Delicti (6 points)
• 3.2: Additional Principles of Criminality (24 points)
• Chapter 3 Quiz: Expanding the Concept of Crime (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 4: Extending Criminal Liability: Inchoate Offenses and Parties to Crime

• Introduction
• 4.1: Criminal Attempt (18 points)
• 4.2: Criminal Conspiracy (3 points)
• 4.3: Criminal Solicitation (3 points)
• 4.4: Parties to Crime (18 points)
• Chapter 4 Quiz: Extending Criminal Liability: Inchoate Offenses and Parties to Crime (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 5: Justifications as Defenses

• Introduction
• 5.1: Types of Defenses (6 points)
• 5.2: The Process of Affirmative Defenses (6 points)
• 5.3: Justification as a Defense (24 points)
• Chapter 5 Summary: Justifications as Defenses
• Chapter 5 Quiz: Justifications as Defenses (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 6: Defenses: Excuses and Insanity

• Introduction
• 6.1: The Nature of Excuses (6 points)
• 6.2: Forms of Excuses (36 points)
• 6.3: Mental Incompetency (6 points)
• 6.4: The Insanity Defense: A Common Misunderstanding
• 6.5: What Is Insanity?
• 6.6: History of the Insanity Defense (6 points)
• 6.7: Diminished Capacity (6 points)
• 6.8: How Widely Used Is the Insanity Defense?
• 6.9: Consequences of an Insanity Finding (6 points)
• 6.10: Abolishing the Insanity Defense
• 6.11: Civil Commitment
• Chapter 6 Summary: Defenses: Excuses and Insanity
• Chapter 6 Quiz: Defenses: Excuses and Insanity (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 7: Crimes Against Persons: Homicide

• Introduction
• 7.1: Criminal Homicide (27 points)
• 7.2: Murder (24 points)
• 7.3: Manslaughter (6 points)
• 7.4: Negligent Homicide
• 7.5: Suicide (6 points)
• Chapter 7 Summary: Crimes Against Persons: Homicide
• Chapter 7 Quiz: Crimes Against Persons: Homicide (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 8: Crimes Against Persons: Assault, Sex Offenses, and Other Crimes

• Introduction
• 8.1: Assault, Battery, and Mayhem (30 points)
• 8.2: Sex Offenses (12 points)
• 8.3: Kidnapping and False Imprisonment (12 points)
• 8.4: Threat (6 points)
• Chapter 8 Summary: Crimes Against Persons: Assault, Sex Offenses, and Other Crimes
• Chapter 8 Quiz: Crimes Against Persons: Assault, Sex Offenses, and Other Crimes (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 9: Property and Computer Crimes

• Introduction
• 9.1: Theft Crimes (60 points)
• 9.2: Consolidation of Theft Crimes
• 9.3: Grading of Theft Crimes
• 9.4: Burglary (6 points)
• 9.5: Arson (6 points)
• 9.6: Computer and High-Technology Crimes (6 points)
• Chapter 9 Summary: Property and Computer Crimes
• Chapter 9 Quiz: Property and Computer Crimes (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 10: Offenses Against Public Order and the Administration of Justice

• Introduction
• 10.1: Crimes Against Public Order (36 points)
• 10.2: Crimes Against the Administration of Government (30 points)
• 10.3: Environmental Crimes (6 points)
• Chapter 10 Summary: Offenses Against Public Order and the Administration of Justice
• Chapter 10 Quiz: Offenses Against Public Order and the Administration of Justice (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 11: Offenses Against Public Morality

• Introduction
• 11.1: Crimes Against Public Decency and Morality (9 points)
• 11.2: Prostitution (9 points)
• 11.3: Pornography, Obscenity, and Lewdness (9 points)
• 11.4: Other Consensual Sex Offenses
• 11.5: Gambling and Gaming
• 11.6: Controlled Substances (9 points)
• 11.7: A Critique of Laws Regulating Public Morality
• Chapter 11 Summary: Offenses Against Public Morality
• Chapter 11 Quiz: Offenses Against Public Morality (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 12: Terrorism and Human Trafficking

• Introduction
• 12.1: Terrorism, Treason, and Sedition (9 points)
• 12.2: Terrorism Laws (6 points)
• 12.3: Constitutional Issues (9 points)
• 12.4: Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons (6 points)
• 12.5: Federal Immigration and Trafficking Legislation
• Chapter 12 Summary: Terrorism and Human Trafficking
• Chapter 12 Quiz: Terrorism and Human Trafficking (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 13: Victims and the Law

• Introduction
• 13.1: Who Is a Victim? (6 points)
• 13.2: A Short History of the Victim (9 points)
• 13.3: Victims’ Rights Legislation (3 points)
• 13.4: The Growth of Victims’ Rights (12 points)
• 13.5: Victim Statistics
• 13.6: Restitution
• Chapter 13 Summary: Victims and the Law
• Chapter 13 Quiz: Victims and the Law (100 points)

CHAPTER : Chapter 14: Punishment and Sentencing

• Introduction
• 14.1: Punishment Rationales (18 points)
• 14.2: Constitutional Limitations (6 points)
• 14.3: Imposing Criminal Sanctions
• 14.4: Plea Bargaining (6 points)
• 14.5: Traditional Sentencing Options
• 14.6: Less Traditional Sentencing Options
• 14.7: Sentence Enhancements
• 14.8: Capital Punishment (18 points)
• 14.9: Intermediate Sanctions (6 points)
• Chapter 14 Summary: Punishment and Sentencing
• Chapter 14 Quiz: Punishment and Sentencing (100 points)

Activities

Criminal Law is made up of the numerous graded assignments and activities listed in the chapters outlined.

 Graded Activities

 All the activities already outlined in each chapter including all quizzes and exams

 Ungraded Activities

§ Online Practice/Orientation § Reading Assignments § Others per instructor

The total maximum points for the course is 2081. The folloing chart provides the number of points for each grade level

 Course Participation

Unlike a traditional, instructor-led course, you do not need to show up to class at a specific time every day to earn your class participation grade. Instead, you need to make a constant effort to complete the online course assignments, participate in activities required, and complete all quizzes and examinations. Your overall grade will generally dictate the level of participation you engaged in during the course. Plan on working 5 to 8 hours per assignment.

Online Etiquette

Please follow phone and email peotocols as stated in the annoucments.

Required Texts/Materials

Students will need purchase the Pearson REVEL access code for this course.  You may also receive a E-Textook if desired.  You will need the code to sign-up the first time you access the course on blackboard.

Title:     Criminal Law Today

Author: Frank Schmalleger, and Daniel E. Hall, with John J. Dolatowski

The Nature and History of Criminal Law

• Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime
• Expanding the Concept of Crime
• Extending Criminal Liability: Inchoate Offenses and Parties to crime
• Justifications as Defenses
• Defenses: Excuses and Insanity
• Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime-Homicide
• Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime- Assault etc.
• Legal and Social Dimensions of Property and Computer Crime
• Offenses against Public Order
• Terrorism and Human Trafficking
• Offenses against Public Morality
• Victims and the Law
• Punishment and Sentencing

 8. Penal Code (40 hrs.)

Unit Goal: 8.1. The student will have a basic understanding and identify the

elements of offenses in the Texas Penal Code.

8.1.1. Employ a working knowledge of the organization of the Texas Penal Code. Overview of the organization of the Texas Penal Code:

Objectives of Code PC 1.02 Effect of Code PC 1.03

Territorial Jurisdiction PC 1.04

Definitions PC 1.07

Any other tables and cross reference indexes

The way the titles, chapters and sections are fonT1atted on the document's pages.

8.1.2. Define the general provisions of the Texas Penal Code.

Computation of Age PC 1.06

Definitions PC 1.07(1)-(48)

Instructor should use case studies, scenarios, role plays, videos, etc. to reinforce the application of the elements of each offense.

8.1.3. Discuss the level of proof required to convict a person of an offense.

Burden of Proof PC 2.01-2.05

8.1.4. Define tenT1s as they relate to multiple prosecutions.

Multiple Prosecutions PC 3.01 & 3.02

8.1.5. DetenT1ine the culpable mental states as they relate to the Texas Penal Code and examine the

requirement of a causation link between conduct and result.

Culpability Generally, Culpable Mental States PC 6.01-6.03

Causation PC 6.04

NOTE: CCP Art. 21.15 Must Allege Acts of Recklessness or Criminal Negligence

8.1.6. Relate when one person is criminally responsible for the conduct of another.

Criminal Responsibility for Conduct of Another PC 7.01-7.03

 8.1.7. Recognize general defenses to criminal responsibility.

.General Defenses to Criminal Responsibility PC 8.01-8.07

8.1.8. Classify offenses and their punishment. .

Classification of Offenses PC 12.02- 12.04

 Ordinary Misdemeanor Punishments PC 12.21 -12.23

 Ordinary Felony Punishments PC 12.31 -12.35

 Exceptional Sentences PC 12.41 -12.46

8.1.9. Identify the elements of preparatory offenses.

Preparatory Offense PC 15.01-15.031,16.01

8.1.10. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against the person as they relate to criminal

homicide.

Criminal Homicide PC Chapter 19

8.1.11. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against the person as they relate to kidnapping and

false imprisonment.

Kidnapping and False Imprisonment PC Chapter 20

8.1.12. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against the person as they relate to sexual offenses.

Sexual Offenses PC Chapter 21

8.1.13. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against the person as they relate to assaultive

offenses.

Assaultive Offenses PC Chapter 22

8.1.14. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against the family.

8.1.15. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against property as they relate to arson, criminal

mischief, and other property damage or destruction.

Arson, Criminal Mischief and other property damage or destruction PC Chapter 28

8.1.16. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against property as they relate to robbery.

Robbery PC Chapter 29

8.1.17. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against property as they relate to burglary and

criminal trespass.

Burglary and Criminal Trespass PC Chapter 30

8.1.18. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against property as they relate to theft.

Theft (PC Chapter 31; 31.01, 31.03, 31.04, 31.06, 31.07, 31.08, 31.09, 31.11)

8.1.19. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against property as they relate to fraud.

Fraud (PC Chapter 32; 32.01, 32.02, 32.31, 32.33, 32.41, 32.44, 32.47) .

.NOTE: Instructor should discuss importance of PC 32.03, 32.42, 32.46, 32.48 and 32.49.

NOTE: Recommend review of Chapter 33 of the Penal Code, especially computer crime and telecommunications fraud. Contact the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division

(512-463-2185) for additional resource material.

8.1.20. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public administration as they relate to bribery and corrupt influence.

Bribery and Corrupt Influence PC Chapter 36

8.1.21. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public administration as they relate to perjury and other falsification.

Perjury and other falsification PC Chapter 37

8.1.22. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public administration as they relate to obstructing governmental operations.

Obstructing Governmental Operations PC Chapter 38

8.1.23. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public administration as they relate to abuse of office.

Abuse of Office PC Chapter 39

.8.1.24. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public order and decency as they relate to

disorderly conduct and related offenses.

Disorderly conduct and related offenses PC Chapter 42

8.1.25. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public order and decency as they relate to public indecency.

Public Indecency PC Chapter 43

8.1.26. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public health, safety and morals as they relate to weapons.

Weapons PC Chapter 46

8.1.27. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public health, safety and morals as they relate to gambling.

Gambling PC Chapter 47

8.1.28. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public health, safety and morals as they relate to conduct affecting public health.

Conduct Affecting Public Health PC Chapter 48

8.1.29. Identify and apply the elements of offenses against public health, safety and morals as they relate to intoxication and alcoholic beverages.

Intoxication and alcoholic beverages PC Chapter 49

8.1.30. Identify and apply the elements of offenses involving organized crime and criminal street gangs. .

Organized crime and criminal street gangs PC Chapter 71

Please read:

SYLLABUS NOTIFICATION OF CAMPUS CARRY

1. Statement for standard classroom courses (non-exclusion zone)

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

2. Statement for classroom courses with physical activity (non-exclusion zone)

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may involve considerable physical activity. Bending, stretching, lifting, and other rigorous activities associated with CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills occur regularly in class. Such activities may expose concealed weapons and place the license holder in violation of state law. Therefore, it is recommended that concealed weapons be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

3. Statement for classroom courses in exclusion zones

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.

Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may be held in an area designated as an exclusion zone as defined by state law or the college’s concealed handgun policy. Concealed carry is prohibited in exclusion zones. Concealed weapons must be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.