CRIMINAL LAW
CJUS/POLI 213A
FALL 2014
INSTRUCTOR:
Raymond F. Leven, J.D.
Law Office of Leon P. Ferrance, P.C.
P.O. Box 34
Roanoke, VA 24012
CLASSROOM:
West 216
OFFICE:
West Hall 12
OFFICE PHONE:
E-MAIL:
(540) 375-2406
leven@roanoke.edu
OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesday’s and Thursday’s – 3:30pm – 4:30pm
or by appointment
COURSE MATERIALS
Hall, Daniel E. Criminal Law and Procedure (6th Ed.). Delmar Publishing, 2004. ISBN 978-11113-1272-5.
Scott, Gregory M. & Stephen M. Garrison. The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual, 7th ed.,
(Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2012).
Handouts and Reserve Materials as needed/assigned
INTRODUCTION
Criminal Law is an effort by society to prohibit/enforce conduct by punishment of those who fail
to comply with society’s rules. This course will examine the general rules of criminal responsibility
and the development of the underlying theories of substantive criminal law. (Focus on the system
in the United States).
After the substantive theory, the study will turn to specific crimes and the elements that define
them. The major categories covered will be crimes against a person, crimes against property, and
crimes against the public.
Finally, the study will turn to the procedures that must be followed under the Constitution and laws
of the United States. Only by following such procedures is it legitimate for the government to
prosecute the individual.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Successful completion of this course will provide the student with an understanding of the
American criminal justice system. This will include knowing and being able to explain the
difference between criminal and civil laws, recognizing the elements of major crimes and
identifying defenses to criminal charges and procedural irregularities. This knowledge can be used
in making informed decisions in voting, in understanding media reports, and even in making
personal decisions.
COURSE FORMAT
Class time will involve a lecture, discussion, and “Socratic questions” (designed to generate
discussion and feedback). This will be an opportunity to learn and use new terms and concepts
that may be complex and new to most. No amount of text reading can substitute for the
interaction in class, however, knowledge of the text is critical to that interaction.
To facilitate interaction no electronic devices may be used in class, proper decorum is expected
and tardiness will be seen as disrespect to those who are trying to engage in productive class
time.
GRADING POLICY:
Final grade will be based on three tests, a comprehensive final exam, class participation,
attendance, and any other quizzes or assignments given.
The three tests will cover the material immediately preceded each on the schedule. Tests will
each count as 20% of the final grade. The comprehensive final exam will count as 30% of the
final grade. Thus, attendance, participation, quizzes, and other assignments that can only be
generated by being in class will count as 10% of the final grade. To be clear, attendance is
expected, required and will count toward your final grade.
GRADING SCALE
93% - 100%
90% - 92%
88% - 89%
A
AB+
83% - 87%
80% - 82%
78% - 79%
73% - 77%
B
BC+
C
70% - 72%
68% - 69%
63% - 67%
60% - 62%
≤ 59%
CD+
D
DF
MAKEUP POLICY
In general there will be no make ups of tests and assignments. However, where the failure of the
student to take the test or hand in the assignment is excused in advance and in writing is based on
extenuating circumstances outside the control of the student, in the instructor’s discretion, tests or
assignments may be made up when it is possible.
GRADE CHANGES
Grades are final as posted but I am happy to discuss any grade with a student and if an arithmetic
error has occurred I will make a correction. However, you must discuss any grade with me no
later than the following class period or within one week if class is not in session. No changes will
be made to final grades at the end of the semester with the exception of arithmetic errors.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All students are expected to strictly adhere to the Standards of Academic Integrity Policy contained
in the Student Handbook. In particular all tests, quizzes, exams, and assignments are to be the
work of the individual student unless an assignment is a group assignment. Examples of academic
integrity violations at Roanoke College are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cheating
Lying
Plagiarizing
Unauthorized use of electronic devices
Impeding an investigation
Any other actions that violate regulations outlined in the Student handbook.
If I suspect any student of an academic integrity violation, it is my duty to report such violations
to the Academic Integrity Council.
THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES is located in the Goode-Pasfield
Center for Learning and Teaching in Fintel Library, provides reasonable accommodations to
students with identified disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are provided based on the
diagnosed disability and the recommendations of the professional evaluator. In order to be
considered for disability services, students must identify themselves to the Office of Disability
Support Services. Students requesting accommodations are required to provide specific current
documentation of their disabilities. Please contact Rick Robers, M.A., Coordinator of Disability
Support Services, at 540-375-2247 or e-mail robers@roanoke.edu.
If you are on record with the College's Office of Disability Support Services as having academic
or physical needs requiring accommodations, please schedule an appointment with Mr. Robers as
soon as possible. You need to discuss your accommodations with him before they can be
implemented. Also, please note that arrangements for extended time on exams, testing, and
quizzes in a distraction-reduced environment must be made at least one week before every
exam.
SUBJECT TUTORING offers assistance in two helpful formats: Walk-In Tutoring: Walk-in
tutoring is offered in 1.5 hour intervals in a group format for our most popular subjects. The
format allows you to spend up to 1.5 hours with the tutor, or you can simply pop-in to ask a
quick question. Regularly scheduled groups will be offered from 4-5:30 pm; 6-7:30 pm; and
7:30 -9 pm Sunday - Thursday. Private Tutoring: Private tutoring is available to students who
wish to receive one-on-one tutoring in a particular subject. Private tutoring is available for our
most popular subjects and for subjects that do not have a designated time on the Walk-In
Schedule. Private Tutors are only available upon request and appointments must be made 24
hours in advance for tutor notification. No-shows will be monitored closely and after three
missed appointments, students will be locked out of the Private Tutoring schedule for the
remainder of the semester. Both schedules as well as The Writing Center schedule can be found
at www.roanoke.edu/tutoring.
THE WRITING CENTER @ ROANOKE COLLEGE is located on the lower level of Fintel
Library, offers tutorials focused on written and oral communication for students working on
assignments and projects in any field. Writers at all levels of competence may visit the Writing
Center at any point in their process, from brainstorming to drafting to editing, to talk with trained
peer tutors in informal, one-on-one sessions. The Writing Center is open Sunday through
Thursday from 4 to 9 pm. Simply stop in, or schedule an appointment by going to
www.roanoke.edu/writingcenter, where our schedule of writing workshops and creative writing
playshops is also posted. Questions? Email writingcenter@roanoke.edu or call 375-4949. Like
our Facebook page for updates!
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
There are some important general observations which may help you better understand our work
together and improve your achievement.





The Socratic method, often employed in this course, answers questions with questions.
This is intended to stimulate additional thought and discussion and will lead us to the
answers.
Do not allow the Socratic approach to deter your questions. The responses are not personal
and will help you understand the issues.
There are occasions when a current event, political or business, will illustrate or better
explain the topic we are discussing. These are not truly “digressions” but may seem to be
as they do not always track our text book. Look for the connection rather than ignoring
these examples.
There are other occasions when we will in fact digress to hear a story or unrelated example
of laws or business. The material can be very dry and sometimes a digression provides
much needed relief and allows us to continue with a fresh perspective.
There may be comments made of a political nature or based on other current events.
Opinions expressed at that moment are not necessarily those of the professor but may be

purposely controversial in an effort to stimulate debate and critical thinking. Do not be
reluctant to challenge any comment that you find difficult to accept or may even seem
offensive at the moment.
Personal attacks are never acceptable in our time together. If you feel you are a victim of
such remarks, speak up so that the issue can be resolved.
COURSE SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
8/26
Introduction to the U.S. Legal System
8/28
Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, (cont.) Introduction to Criminal Law
9/2
9/4
9/9
9/11
9/18
9/23
9/25
9/30
Introduction Criminal Law, (cont.)
Actus Reus
Actus Reus, cont. Mens Rea
Mens Rea (and Strict Liability)
Causation, Concurrence and Social Harm
Causation, Concurrence and Social Harm, (cont.)
Test I
Parties to Crimes
10/2
10/7
10/9
10/21
10/23
10/28
10/30
11/4
11/6
Inchoate Offenses
Inchoate Offenses, (cont.)
Introduction to Defenses
Test II
Defenses
Defenses, cont.
Crimes against the Person
Crimes against the Person, (cont.)
Crimes against the Person, (cont.)
11/11
11/13
11/18
11/20
11/25
Crimes against Property
Crimes against Property, (cont.)
Crimes against Property, (cont.)
Crimes against the Public, Test III
Crimes against the Public, (cont.)
12/2
12/4
12/9
Criminal Procedure
Criminal Procedure, (cont.)
Final Exam, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Block E3
Curriculum Vita of Raymond F. Leven
Education:
-Saint Lawrence University (Canton, NY), 1975, Bachelor of Arts in History.
-Washington and Lee University School of Law (Lexington, VA), 1978, Juris Doctorate.
Employment:
-1978-1980 – Assistant Public defender
-1981-2004 – Public Defender
-2004-2008 – Magistrate and Chief Magistrate for the 23rd District
-2007 – Present – “Of Counsel” – Leon P. Ferrance, PC, Attorney at Law
Activities and Memberships:
-Virginia State Bar (Criminal Law Section)
-Virginia Creditors Bar Association
-Roanoke Bar Association
Board of Directors
Secretary/Treasurer 1997-2001; President 2002-2003
Chair RBA Foundation 2003-2004
-Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
-Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys
-National Legal Aid and Defender Association
-Barrister Book Buddies Reading Program
-WVTF Radio: Fund Drive Volunteer; Radio Reading Service Volunteer
-Roanoke College BUAD Advisory Board
-Previous Community & Educational Activities, Member
Court Community Corrections Regional Board
-Member and Chairman, Bedford County Public Service Authority
-Member and Past Chairman, Youth Support Service
-Member, Legal Aid Society Board of Directors
-Adjunct Faculty, Virginia Western Community College
-Lecturer, Various Continuing Education Programs
-Public Defender Continuing Legal Education Committee