PASADENA CITY COLLEGE : Fall 2003 Instr. P.J. Argento (626) 356-5243
Adm. Justice 12: Concepts of Criminal Law Fax: (626)449-8413 philargento2002@yahoo.com
REQUIRED TEXT: California Criminal Law Concepts (17th Ed.2003)by Hunt & Rutledge
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course primarily studies substantive, not procedural, criminal law. It covers: English common law, distinctions between crimes and torts, definitions of felonies and misdemeanors, corpus delicti, double jeopardy, statute of limitations, capacity to commit crime, and the parties to crimes. It covers many specific crimes such as driving under the influence, unlawful drug offenses, homicide, burglary, robbery, rape, and theft, which significantly affect the criminal justice system today.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: (1) To familiarize the student with the basic criminal law; and (2) To facilitate the student in obtaining a detailed knowledge of the elements of certain criminal offenses.
CLASS PROCEDURES: Lecture and class discussion will be utilized. Class participation and questions are encouraged. Film, video, or speakers may be utilized. Small group presentation is an option.
RESEARCH PAPER: A brief research paper not to exceed three pages is required in order to receive a passing grade. A paper that exceeds three pages will result in a D or F grade for the assignment. A copy of the case researched must be attached to the research paper. A separate assignment sheet for the research paper will be furnished to you later in the semester.
EXAMINATIONS: Four objective tests (multiple choice, true-false) including the final will be spaced throughout the semester. The final test includes a short essay option. If a student fails to take the test on the assigned date, the student will be required to take a make-up test.
GRADING: Examinations 85%; Research Paper 5%; Attendance and participation 10%. All required parts of the course must be completed by the end of the semester. A student must take all of the examinations and complete the research paper. If a student fails to meet these requirements by the end of the semester, the student will receive an "F" grade unless there are special circumstances. This policy does not allow a student to do make-up work (such as a late research paper) after the end of the semester and apply for a grade change.
TUTORING: PCC provides tutoring of students without charge.
DROPPING A CLASS: Under PCC policies, an instructor may drop a student who has accumulated a total of six hours of absences (i.e. two evenings 7-10 p.m.). Therefore, absences and tardiness should be avoided.
Occasionally as student will stay enrolled in a class until the last few weeks of the semester, then drop without making an official notification. If the deadline to drop a student has already passed, the instructor has no choice but to give the student an "F" grade. Therefore, every student who drops a class should take the responsibility of notifying either the instructor or the records office before the deadline to drop in order to make certain that the student will receive a "W" (withdraw) grade instead of an "F".
MISCELLANEOUS: Eating and drinking is not permitted in the class, so please finish any food or drink before entering the class room. Once the class has begun students should not leave the room until the class time has ended. If a student must leave early, the student should notify the instructor before class begins. If a student feels ill during class, the student should notify the instructor in order to be excused. Students are welcomed to call upon me for counseling or advising at the above number during the day.
WEEK READING CLASS TOPICS
1. None Discuss class, study, overview, and begin source and scope of criminal law
2. Chapter 1 Review scope and source; begin classification of crimes and penalties.
3. Chapters 2, 3 Review classification and penalties; begin elements of crimes
4. Chapter 4 Review elements of crimes; begin capacity to commit crimes
5. Chapter 5 Review capacity; begin parties to crimes.
6. Chapter 6 TEST 1(Chs. 1-5); Review parties; begin attempts and conspiracy.
7. Appendix D Review attempts and conspiracy; begin legal research; research paper assigned Chapter 17 Begin controlled substance and alcohol abuse
8. None TEST 2 (MIDTERM)(cumulative); review substance abuse and alcohol; begin assault and homicide.
9. Chapter 10 Review assault
Chapter 11 Begin homicide
10. Chapter 12 Review homicide; begin kidnaping and sex crimes
11. Chapter 14 Review kidnaping; begin burglary
12. None TEST 3 (Chs.10-13), continue with burglary, robbery and extortion.
13. Chapter 14 Review burglary; review robbery and extortion; begin theft and embezzlement.
Chapter 15 and introduce forgery briefly
14. Chapter 16 Review theft and embezzlement; review for final
15. Chapter 18 Review for final.
16. None FINAL (cumulative): 100 TF/MC ESSAY OPTION; RESEARCH PAPER DUE