Course Syllabus
Course: CJ 2350
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Laws of Evidence
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2029
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: A study of the origin, development and philosophy of the rules of evidence; weight, value and types of evidence; some discussion concerning reliability and tests of admissibility; the law concerning various types of witnesses; and the laws of arrest, search, seizure and other evidence. This course is offered as in-class and online.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: None
Justification: This course is designed to be part of the Criminal Justice curriculum. It is created and designed to transfer to all USHE institutions. CJ 2350 is part of the lower division course for a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate contemporary and/or historical problems using Criminal Justice evidentiary specific research methodology. This outcome will be accomplished through quizzes and the research project submitted by the student and evaluated by the instructor. This outcome will also be weighed by the student’s participation in a final project.
Describe and analytically compare the different social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, or historical settings and processes related to evidentiary law in the Criminal Justice field. Students will complete chapter quizzes or take the appropriate midterm or final exam and submit them for evaluation by the instructor. The student will also complete a research project.
Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context related to evidentiary law and Criminal Justice. This outcome will be demonstrated in the preparation and delivery of a final presentation. This will also be demonstrated in exams.
Write and/or demonstrate effectively within the (appropriate) Criminal Justice discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena This outcome will be determined by attendance, chapter quizzes, and projects.
Content:
This course offers a study of the origin, development and philosophy of the rules of evidence, weight, value and types of evidence, discussion concerning reliability and tests of admissibility, the law concerning various types of witnesses, and the laws of arrest, search, seizure and other evidence. An understanding of evidence has become increasingly vital amongst diverse groups of individuals. Students of various backgrounds need an excellent grasp of evidence to provide equitable treatment of people from diverse cultures.
Key Performance Indicators:
Attendance 0 to 10%
Quizzes 10 to 20%
Research Paper 20 to 35%
Midterm Exam 10 to 20%
Research Project and Final Presentation 25 to 40%
Final exam 20 to 35%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Criminal Evidence, Current edition, Jefferson L. Ingram, Anderson Publishing.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course relies heavily on the Socratic Method where questions are asked and discussion is expected. The course will help prepare students to think quickly, understand issues from all sides, and present concise and logical arguments in support of their views. Students must come to class prepared to actively participate in discussions and complete assigned reading assignments in preparation for examination. This method of teaching is designed to include students from various backgrounds and cultures. The Socratic Method is designed to be inclusive and malleable for students that struggle with answering questions on the spot.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Online
Maximum Class Size: 40
Optimum Class Size: 40
