CJC 105
Legal Issues in Corrections
Gogebic Community College
Spring 2016
Instructor: Michael K. Pope
906-932-4296 or Mike.Pope@gogebic.edu
Meeting time and place: Tuesday 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Gogebic Community College – Main Campus
Text: A Quick Reference Guide to Contemporary Criminal Procedure for Law
Enforcement Officers, by Lt. Mark E. Bannon, published by Charles C. Thomas,
Publisher, LTD.
Michigan Sentencing Guidelines Manual, published by Thompson Reuters
Course Description: Legal Issues in Corrections is designed to enable understanding of
the laws and procedures affecting the criminal justice system. Students will learn about
the courts, criminal procedure and the Constitution. The course will cover citizens’ rights
related to law enforcement techniques, including interrogations, searches and seizures.
Finally, a basic understanding of Michigan’s sentencing guidelines will be attained.
Requirements - Students shall complete the following:
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1/3 of grade = Average of three (3) quizzes
1/3 of grade = Sentencing guidelines essay/project
1/3 of grade = Final exam
Grading is based on a scale – A = 91%-100%, B = 81%-90%, etc.
Date
Topic
1/12
Introduction
1/19
1/26
2/2
2/9
2/16
Criminal Process/Civil Infractions
Misdemeanors/Felonies
Quiz #1/Trials
Constitution/citizen rights
Informants/Entrapment
2/23
3/1
3/8
3/15
Quiz #2/Extra Credit/SG-definitions
SG-Prior Record Variables
SG – Offense Variables/Scoring
MIDTERM BREAK – NO CLASS
SCHEDULED
SG – Class Project/Extra Credit due
Terry Stops/Seizures
Searches
Quiz #3/Prisoners’ Rights
3/22
3/29
4/5
4/12
Reading
Criminal Procedure (CP) – Ch.
1, 11 and 12
CP – 1, 11, and 12
CP – 10
CP – 13 and 14
Sentencing Guidelines (SG) –
pp 9-12
SG – PRV
SG – pp. 1-8
Review SG materials
CP – 2, 3, 4 and 5
CP – 6, 7, 8 and 9
4/19
Project Due/medical marijuana
4/26
5/3
Final Review/Class Choice
Final Exam
Course Objectives:
1. To gain an understanding of the court process and criminal justice system.
2. To grasp the basic rights during law enforcement investigations.
3. To overview Constitutional law.
4. To learn Michigan’s sentencing guidelines.
5. To identify laws affecting prisoners’ rights.
6. To define major court cases impacting corrections.
Attendance and Course Expectations
 Attendance is mandatory; roll will be taken each class period. Your class
attendance is imperative for overall success in this course.
 Participation in classroom discussions is very important and much of this work
cannot be made up.
 If you do miss class, e-mail or call me. If it is possible for work to be made up, I
will assist you if the absence is excused.
 It is the student’s responsibility to stay in tune with classroom announcements and
reading assignments by checking with another student if it is necessary to miss a
class. You are responsible for material covered in class and for all work assigned,
regardless of your other responsibilities.
 Students turning in late papers and assignments will receive reduced grading.
 You are required to take quizzes on the given day. If you notify me of your
intended absence, you may then be scheduled for a make-up quiz.
Classroom Etiquette
 Students are expected to be respectful and display courteous and proper conduct
to the instructor and other students. Your behavior affects other student learning.
 Cell phones, texting and other electronics usage are prohibited during class time.
Cell phones must be put on silent mode while you are in the classroom.
 Be on time for class.
 The project in this class involves group work. When working with other students,
be courteous and responsible. It is important that you participate in the group
assignments- do not sit back and let others do the work for you.
Dishonesty, Cheating
Dishonesty of any kind, including cheating on examinations or any assigned work, may
be dealt with in any manner deemed suitable by the instructor, including the recording of
a failing grade for the course. Cheating on examinations may also result in the student
appearing before the Student Personnel Committee and possible suspension from school
if circumstances warrant.
Academic Support/Advisement
Support is available for all students through the services provided in the campus Student
Services Center. Tutoring in most subjects is free through the college’s ACES Center:
Center for Academic Choices, Enrichment, and Success. Check with ACES staff to see if
tutors are available for you. Tutorial times are posted at the beginning of each semester.
ADA Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
If you believe that you need academic accommodations for a disability that qualifies
under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
please contact the Office of Disability Services, located in office T105C of the ACES
Center, call (906) 932.4231 x 237, or e-mail jessicaln@gogebic.edu to discuss your needs
and the process for requesting accommodations. This office is responsible for
coordinating disability-related academic accommodations and will issue students with
verification letters as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and
generally are not provided retroactively, please contact the office as soon as possible.