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ADMJUS 125 - Criminal Law - Carlos Pinho

Course:Criminal Law
Professor:Carlos Pinho
Email:carlos.pinho@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 8 Week

Introduction

Photo of ADMJUS 125 Textbook

I am proud to serve as an Adjunct Instructor at College of the Canyons and also as a Full Time Instructor at Antelope Valley College. As a former Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff and Retired Beverly Hills Police Officer I have a diverse perspective on the Criminal Justice System. Working Custody and Patrol, and for both a large and small agency, I see the opportunities and the challenges in Law Enforcement today.   I believe in Truth, Justice and the American Dream.  As a child I immigrated to the United States from Brazil.  As a dual citizen I value my freedom and the blessings we all enjoy in America. We are stronger together as we live to change the world one day, one person at a time. The focus of every class can best be summarized as promoting personal responsibility and a respect for the Criminal Justice System. Knowing and applying the law is core to a professional career in law enforcement and the basis for citizens to live in community in our society. 

Course Description

This course presents the historical development, philosophy of law and U.S. Constitutional provisions, including definitions, classification of crimes, concepts of legal research, case law and concepts of law as a social force. Discusses various elements of crimes and relates common law to current California law.

What to Expect in this Course

Upon completion of course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Explain the adversary system and sources of criminal law.
  2. Trace the philosophical and historical changes of criminal law, including the influence of the judiciary on those changes.
  3. Use the terminology of criminal law appropriately.
  4. Differentiate the theories of criminal law.
  5. Compare and contrast offenses against the person, property, morals, and public welfare.
  6. Classify crimes according to severity.
  7. Explain the concept of charging a defendant and relate it to the concept of lesser included offenses.
  8. Explain capacity to commit crime, causation, and culpability.
  9. Analyze the components of the criminal justice system.
  10. Explain criminal defenses, legal justification, and burden of proof.

Student Leaning Outcome

At the end of this course, it is expected that students who have regularly attended and completed all

assignments will be able to: Analyze the goals and characteristics of criminal law.

Types of Assessments

This is a 100% online class and will have no in person/on campus meetings. In order to take this class, you must have access to a computer, internet services and e-mail. All communications will be completed through e-mail, chat rooms or the discussion board. You will be expected to log on to Canvas regularly. I will be posting announcements, assignments, discussion items, and homework activities that you will be expected to participate in each week. Keep in mind that all assignments and discussions must be completed by the posted due dates. No late work will be accepted. All course work will be completed and submitted online using Canvas. You will not be able to sign into Canvas class prior to the start date of the class. You must log into the course by 11:59 PM of the second day of the course or you will be dropped from the course. Understanding the hectic schedule of our ever-changing society it is understood that work, court or family obligations must take precedent. Students should meet all required deadlines or contact the instructor in advance. Grading is based on written work that is submitted on line. Students not contributing for 14 consecutive days will be automatically dropped from the class. This is a 3-credit course = 9 hours dedicated to the course each week which is typical for a 16-week course so the pace for an 8-week class is double.

Textbook Information

Textbook TitleCriminal Law, 12th Ed.
Author: Samaha
ISBN: 9781305577381

Supplemental Online Resources:

 http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml                                        

 https://dictionary.law.com/

Other Relevant Course Information

Three Keys for Online Student Success 

1. Time Management

Organize your time: Use a planner to make a schedule for this course including all due dates and exam dates. Include your fixed responsibilities such as work, family obligations, and any personal appointments in your calendar as well. 

Self-awareness: Don’t overschedule your time. Be realistic and allow for breaks and free time so that you don’t feel guilty taking breaks and to ensure you do not get burnt out. The best time to do your virtual coursework is when you have the most energy. Online learning is difficult enough without trying to accomplish it while not at your peak performance level.

Commitment: Make your course part of your routine and plan time to check your course consistently throughout the week (3 credit course = 9 hours dedicated to the course each week). 

2. Computer Requirements

Access to computer and internet: Familiarize yourself with the basic technological skills necessary for success. Ensure you are comfortable with navigating the internet, using a word processor, your campus email, and other basic computer functions. In addition, be sure to familiarize yourself with My Canyons, COC Student Email, and Canvas.

Canvas: Your course will be hosted through our online learning management system, Canvas. Your course should be available on the first day of the term. Make sure to bookmark the Canvas website as you will need it often throughout the term. For Canvas help, these two      numbers will come in handy: Business hours / weekdays call: 661-362-3344; After-hours / weekends call: 877-889-9052.

3. Communication Online

Netiquette is a set of reminders as to how to behave in an online setting.

  • Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you would follow in person
  • Remember that there are real people behind the computer and be respectful and responsible both with your classmates and your instructors.
  • Know that you are in cyberspace and your work is permanent, so take the time to proofread before you hit submit.

Contacting your professor: When emailing your instructor or classmates, please remember that your instructor will have many emails to respond to, so they may not get back to you right away. Also, if you have a question about a specific assignment, reference both your class title and the assignment title as your instructor likely has multiple classes with many assignments. If you look at assignments ahead of time, you will have more time to wait for a response from your instructor and still complete your assignment on time.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/25/2021 Sub#: 967