ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE
Social Sciences Division
CJI 205 – Criminal Law
Course Outline
Course Number & Name: CJI 205 Criminal Law
Credit Hours: 3.0
Contact Hours: 3.0
Lecture: 3.0
Lab: N/A
Other: N/A
Prerequisites: Grades of “C” or better in BUS 101 or equivalent and ENG 101
Co-requisites: None
Concurrent Courses: None
Course Outline Revision Date: Fall 2010
Course Description: This course expands on concepts introduced in CJI 101, Introduction to Criminal
Justice. It traces the definition of crime, and the origins of criminal law in the United States. Topics of
discussion include basic legal terminology, classification of crimes, specific criminal offenses, and the
New Jersey courts. This course also amplifies and further develops Criminal Procedure, topics initially
covered in CJI 101, Introduction to Criminal Justice. The course explores conflicting models of justice,
due process.
Course Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
1. demonstrate knowledge of the American Legal system;
2. describe the impact that law has on society; and
3. recognize and explain the elements of criminal liability.
Measurable Course Performance Objectives (MPOs): Upon successful completion of this course,
students should specifically be able to do the following:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the American Legal System:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
explain constitutional democracy;
describe the court system at federal and state levels;
identify the sources of American Law; and
describe characteristics of criminal and civil law
2. Describe the impact that law has on society:
2.1 apply legal principles in a societal context; and
2.2 apply both criminal and civil law in a societal environment
3. Recognize and explain the elements of criminal liability:
3.1 explain the difference between common law crimes and statutory crimes; and
3.2 apply the elements of criminal law to current events
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Methods of Instruction: Instruction will consist of lectures and class discussions.
Outcomes Assessment: Test questions are blueprinted to course objectives. Data is collected and
analyzed to determine the level of student performance on these assessment instruments in regards to
meeting course objectives. The results of this data analysis are used to guide necessary pedagogical
and/or curricular revisions.
Course Requirements: All students are required to:
1. Maintain regular on-time attendance.
2. Complete assigned homework.
3. Take part in class discussions.
4. Take all tests and quizzes as scheduled.
Methods of Evaluation: Final course grades will be computed as follows:
Grading Components
% of
final course grade

Homework, quizzes and class participation
Homework and quizzes emphasize material relevant to
course objectives. Students must complete case briefing
and analyses to be prepared for class discussions.
0 – 20%

5 or more Tests (dates specified by the instructor)
Tests will provide evidence of the extent to which
students have mastered course objectives.
80 – 100%
NOTE: The instructor will provide specific weights, which lie in the above-given ranges, for each of the
grading components at the beginning of the semester.
Academic Integrity: Dishonesty disrupts the search for truth that is inherent in the learning process and
so devalues the purpose and the mission of the College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not
limited to, the following:

plagiarism – the failure to acknowledge another writer’s words or ideas or to give proper credit
to sources of information;

cheating – knowingly obtaining or giving unauthorized information on any test/exam or any
other academic assignment;

interference – any interruption of the academic process that prevents others from the proper
engagement in learning or teaching; and

fraud – any act or instance of willful deceit or trickery.
Violations of academic integrity will be dealt with by imposing appropriate sanctions. Sanctions for acts
of academic dishonesty could include the resubmission of an assignment, failure of the test/exam,
failure in the course, probation, suspension from the College, and even expulsion from the College.
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Student Code of Conduct: All students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible and
considerate adults who respect the rights of others. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. All
students are also expected to attend and be on time for all class meetings. No cell phones or similar
electronic devices are permitted in class. Please refer to the Essex County College student handbook,
Lifeline, for more specific information about the College’s Code of Conduct and attendance
requirements.
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Course Content Outline: based on the text Criminal Law, 10th edition, by Joel Samaha; published by
Wadsworth; ISBN #: 13:978-0-495-81227-2
Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
Chapter/Section
CHAPTER 1 CRIMINAL LAW AND CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT
1.2
What Behavior Deserves Criminal Punishment
1.3
Crimes and Non- criminal Wrongs
1.4
Classifying Crimes
1.5
General and Special Parts of Criminal Law
1.6
Sources of Criminal Law
1.7
Criminal Punishment
1
2
3
CHAPTER 2 CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON CRIMINAL LAW
2.1
The Ban on Ex-Post Facto Laws
2.2
Due Process
2.3
Equal Protection of the Laws, the Bill of Rights
CHAPTER 3 THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY: ACTUS REUS
3.1
Voluntary Act Requirement
3.2
Status as a Criminal Act
3.3
Omission as Criminal Act
3.4
Actus Reus and the US Constitution
3.5
Possession as a Criminal Act
4
5
6
7
9
CHAPTER 4 THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY: MENS REA
4.1
Proving “state of mind”
4.2
Criminal intent
4.3
The Model Penal Code’s (MPC) Mental Attitudes
10
Test #1 on Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4
8
15
CHAPTER 5 DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY: JUSTIFICATION
5.1
Affirmative Defenses and Proving Them
5.2
Court Proceedings and Justified and Excused Conduct
5.3
Elements of Self-defense
5.4
The Defense of Others
5.5
In the Defense of Home and Property
CHAPTER 6 DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY: EXCUSES
6.1
Insanity
6.2
The Tests for Insanity
6.3
The Right/Wrong Test
6.4
Burden of Proof
16
Test #2 on Chapters 5 and 6
11
12
13
14
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Class Meeting
(80 minutes)
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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Chapter/Section
CHAPTER 7 PARTIES TO CRIME AND VICARIOUS LIABILITY
7.1
Types of Liabilities
7.2
Parties to Crime
7.3
Vicarious Liability
7.4
Participation Before and During the Commission
7.5
Corporate Liability
CHAPTER 8 INCHOATE CRIMES
8.1
Attempt
8.2
Conspiracy
8.3
Solicitation
Test #3 on Chapters 7 and 8
CHAPTER 9 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS I
9.1
The Meaning of Person or Human Being
9.2
Criminal Homicide in Context
9.3
Murder
9.4
Manslaughter
CHAPTER 10 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS II
10.1 Sex Offenses
10.2 History of Rape Law, Elements of Modern Rape Law
10.3 Bodily Injury Crimes
10.3 Personal Restraint Crimes
Test #4 on Chapters 9 and 10
CHAPTER 11 CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
11.1 History of Criminal Taking of Other’s Property
CHAPTER 12 CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND MORALS
12.1 Disorderly Conduct
12.2 Gang Activity
CHAPTER 13 CRIMES AGAINST STATE
13.1 Treason, Espionage, Sabotage and Terrorism
Review of course material
Test #5 on Chapters 11, 12 and 13
prepared by P Tandoh, Fall 2010