Fall 2018 Course Syllabus Course: LGLA-2313- Section: 01 Criminal Law and Procedures

Instructor Information
Instructor	Doneane Beckcom
E-mail	beckcomde@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6548
Office	Location: Student Center - Room: 415 Hours: MWF Noon - 2:00, TR 12:30 - 1:30, otherwise by appointment
Department	Business and Technology Chair: Sheila Guillot E-mail: guillsr@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6381
Course Information
Description	Fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure from arrest to final disposition including principles of federal and state law emphasizing the role of the paralegal in the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites	LGLA 1307 Intro to Law and Paralegalism taken prior to or concurrently with this course.
Learning Outcomes	1. Understand legal terms by reviewing key terms in the textbook and other assigned readings/projects and learning labs. Understand the difference between a civil and criminal case and the roles of the prosecution and defense attorneys. 2.Locate and draft appropriate documents. Use correct grammar in speech and written word. 3. Understand and be able to articulate unethical practices in the law firm or other workplace.Understand the appropriate confidentiality issues, attorney-client privileges and billing practices. Perform tasks authorized for paralegals, not attorneys. 4. Utilize blackboard through the internet. Draft documents using Word. Submit documents properly and timely. Prepare charts using Excel. Review power points as an additional resource.
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills: demonstrates comprehension of content (legal) area reading material. PSLO 1: understand legal terms and the paralegal's role in the legal environment. PSLO 2: apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents. PSLO 3: demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment. PSLO 4: exhibit the ability to use computer skills.
Textbooks	Criminal Law and Procedure, 7th Edition Daniel E. Hall Cengage ISBN 978-1-285-44881-7
Lecture Topics Outline	Introduction to the Legal System of the United States Intro to Criminal Law The Two Essential Elements Crimes Against the Person Crimes Against Property and Habitation Crimes Against the Public Parties and Inchoate Offenses Factual and Statutory Defenses Constitutional Defenses Introduction to Criminal Procedure Constitutional Aspects of Criminal Procedure Searches, Seizures, and Arrests Interrogation, Electronic Surveillance, and other Police Practices Pretrial Process Trial Sentencing and Appeal
Major Assignments Schedule	We will typically over 1 chapter per week. Tests will cover generally 4 chapters and will occur every 4 - 5 weeks throughout the semester.
Final Exam Date	December 10, 2018 - 10:00 AM   Through  December 10, 2018 - 12:00 AM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests 70% Chapter Assignments (vocabulary, review questions, case analysis) 20% Discussions (in class participation) 10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	I am always available via email. Please make an appointment to discuss grades. Otherwise feel free to stop by my office during posted office hours. Power points and other resources are available on Blackboard.
Attendance Policy	A student with 9 or more absences may be dropped from the course.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.