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ADMJUS 135 - Legal Theories/ Criminal Evidence - Carlos Pinho

Course:Legal Theories/ Criminal Evidence
Professor:Carlos Pinho
Email:carlos.pinho@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 8 Week
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Criminal Evidence

My name is Carlos Pinho and I will be your instructor for the Criminal Evidence online course. I am very excited about this course. Together we will examine the world Criminal Evidence! Participation is an important aspect of learning. This is a 100% online class and will have no in person/on campus meetings. We will be learning together as you bring practical examples and insight to share regarding the class topics weekly. As your teacher my goal and mission for you is it to make you successful. Success is not measured by the amount of money that you make or any external measurement, but instead by the satisfaction and contentment you discover when reflecting on choices and decisions long term. My role as your teacher consists of functioning as your instructor, guide and encourager. Every student from every background and reason for taking the class is welcomed. The consistent focus of every class I teach can best be summarized as promoting personal responsibility and respect for the Criminal Justice System. Please refer to the Administration of Justice Website for more details on our outstanding program.

Course Description

Introduces the fundamentals of evidence in a law enforcement context including relevant constitutional issues, Supreme Court decisions, and the California and Federal Rules of Evidence Course Information

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

  1. Summarize the sequence of events in a criminal proceeding and apply the rules of evidence to specific case facts.
  2. Compare and contrast direct and circumstantial evidence, physical evidence, documentary evidence and testimonial evidence.
  3. Compare and contrast the differences between expert and lay witnesses.
  4. Compare and contrast the different the means of searching for evidence.
  5. Explain the purpose of the Hearsay Rule and name at least five of the 26 Major Exceptions.
  6. Compare and contrast the attorney-client privilege, the husband-wife privilege, the physician-patient privilege and the clergy-penitent privilege.
  7. Compare and contrast "consensual encounters," “detentions” and “arrests”
  8. Compare and contrast the Exclusionary Rule and the Miranda decision.

Student Learning Outcome

Analyze criminal cases and evaluate the evidentiary issues affecting the prosecution and defense of a trial.

What to Expect in this Course

 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.  Successful online students log into the course at least once every two days.

In a 16-week 3 unit course it is expected that students dedicate approximately 9 + total hours a week to a course, so do the math for a short term class.

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. Assignments are issued several weeks in advance of the due date. Any student that attempts to upload their assignment at the last minute does so at their own risk. No late work will be accepted.

Types of Assessments

Students are expected to complete writing assignments consisting of Journals, Case Briefs and Current Events. Online Discussions are part of collective learning online and students are required to interact bi-weekly with classmates.There will be several quizzes and exams throughout the course.

Textbook Information

REQUIRED READINGS • Judy Hails, Criminal Evidence, 8th ed. Wadsworth Cengage Learning ISBN: 978-1-285-06286-0

The textbook is mandatory. There will be multiple specific reading and writing assignments throughout the course. Without the textbook you cannot successfully complete the course. 

Other Relevant Course Information

All course work will be completed and submitted 100% online using Canvas.

You will not be able to sign into Canvas  prior to the start date of the class.

Online classes are extremely popular and fill up quickly resulting in a waitlist for the course.

You must log into the course by the second day of the course or you will be dropped from the course and replaced by students on the waitlist.


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: 08/15/2024 Sub#: 602

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