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CJS 1103 Constitutional Law & Evidentiary Procedures

Survey and interpretation of the Federal Constitution, and an overview of state and federal law and court systems. Emphasis on the Bill of Rights with particular attention to the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteen amendments. Study, analysis, and application of the Rules of Evidence and Rules of Criminal Procedure from investigation to arrest, trial, and the appellate process. Additionally, ethical guidelines for Criminal Justice professionals in the detection, apprehension, and prosecution of the accused and constitutional restrictions on government actions.

Division: Business and Public Services
Department: Criminal Justice Science
Repeatable Credit: No
Offered Online: Yes

Prereqs: DEV 0035 AND CJS 1101 OR CIS 1107 

Outcomes

  • Describe the constitutional rights of citizens and the responsibilities of criminal justice professionals to preserve those rights.
  • Explain how interpretation of case law impacts policy and procedure in Criminal Justice.
  • Summarize the U.S. Constitution and its embodied concepts.
  • Summarize the rules of evidence and procedures in legal proceedings.
  • Relate the processing of cases through state and federal courts, the role of the Grand Jury, and Preliminary Hearing. Examine pre-trail motions and Motions of Support in particular. Explain the role of the witness, legal and constitutional limits on testimony, and the ethical responsibilities of criminal justice professionals.
  • Distinguish between the jurisdiction of municipal, state, and federal courts and the roles of the judges in each. Describe the process of arrest, the requirement for search warrants, bail procedures, the pre-trial and scheduling procedures and time mandates of speedy trial provisions and statutes of limitations.

Credit Hours: 3

Classroom Hours: 3