Judicial Process
CJUS/POLI 214
Fall 2008
Prof. Morgan Scott
Department of Public Affairs
Roanoke College
Office: West 208
Classroom: West 210
E-mail: mscott@roanoke.edu
Phone: 375-2228
Office hours: MWF 9:40-10:40 or by
appointment
This semester will be a study of the judicial systems of the federal and state courts and
the interaction of these systems with our society and culture. Integral to this will be an
examination of the process by which this system operates.
OBJECTIVES
1. Increase familiarity with the terminology and basic concepts in the study of legal and
judicial systems.
2. Observation and analysis of judicial process has on society.
3. Problems and issues relating to actors in the judicial process.
4. An understanding of structures and practices of judicial process.
REQUIREMENTS
Text
Carp, Robert, Ronald Stidham, and Kenneth L. Manning, 2004, Judicial Process in
America, 7th ed.
Harr, Jonathan, 1996, A Civil Action.
Stern, Gerald M., 1976, The Buffalo Creek Disaster.
Additional class handouts and on-reserve videos, if necessary.
Grading
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
Class attendance and participation
Quiz
Project
Midterm examination
Final examination
15%
15%
20%
20%
30%
Academic Integrity
Cheating of any form or degree will not be tolerated. Please familiarize yourself with
Roanoke College’s Academic Integrity System which can be found in the Student
Handbook.
Pay special attention to the discussion on plagiarism. It is your
responsibility to know the rules regarding Academic Integrity.
Cell Phones, Pagers, Etc.
All cell phones, pagers, and other electronic communication devices must be turned off
before the start of class. The first time one of these devices interrupts class, the offending
party is buying donuts for the entire class; the second time, the offending party will be
asked to excuse him/herself from the class lecture.
Special Academic Needs
If you are on record with the College’s Special Services as having special academic or
physical needs requiring accommodations, please discuss this with me as soon as
possible. We need to discuss your accommodations before they can be implemented.
Also, please note that arrangements for extended times on exams and testing in a semiprivate setting must be made at least one week before the exams. If you believe you are
eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special Services,
contact the Center for Learning & Teaching (x2247).
The Writing Center
The Writing Center @ Roanoke College, located on the lower level of Fintel Library, is a
place where writers working in any academic discipline, at any level of competence, at
any stage of the writing process meet with trained peer writing tutors in informal, one-onone tutoring sessions focused on writing. Tutoring is free! The Writing Center is open
Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 9 pm starting Sunday, September 9 th. You may
simply stop in, or schedule an appointment ahead of time by going to MyRC: Academics
and looking for the Tutoring Schedule link. Questions? Email the Writing Center at
writingcenter@roanoke.edu or call 375-4949.