CRJU2201 - Criminal Law

Competencies

1. Examine the nature and limits of criminal law based on the concepts of democracy, the Constitution and the principles and defenses of criminal law.
2. Apply the concept of constitutional limits on criminal law as set forth in equal protection laws and concepts of free speech/right of privacy.
3. Apply general principles of criminal liability: mens rea, concurrence, causation and strict liability.
4. Apply general principles of criminal liability: actus reus and distinguish between the requirement of a voluntary act and an involuntary act.
5. Explain the legal principle of probable cause and be able to apply this concept to elements of a crime, jurisdiction and enhancements.
6. Identify the different parties to a crime both before and after the crime.
7. Recognize the concept of inchoate crimes: attempt, conspiracy and solicitation.
8. Distinguish between justification defenses: insanity, diminished capacity, duress, intoxication and entrapment.
9. Identify basic criminal statutes including crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against the administration of justice.