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CRJ 102 Criminal Law

This course provides an in-depth study of the range, categories, types and elements of criminal acts, the rationale underlying criminal law, and the analysis of situations in terms of criminal violations.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: CRJ 101

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CRJ 102 Criminal Law

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

2026-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: CRJ 101

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth study of the range, categories, types and elements of criminal acts, the rationale underlying criminal law, and the analysis of situations in terms of criminal violations.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine the core principles and foundations of criminal law. (CCC 5; PGC 1)
  2. Analyze key elements required to prove criminal offenses. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 5)
  3. Examine defenses to criminal liability. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 3, 4)
  4. Identify inchoate crimes. (CCC 5; PGC 1)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Examine the core principles and foundations of criminal law.
    1. Define criminal law and distinguish it from civil law.
    2. Identify the primary sources of criminal law, including statutes, case law, and the Constitution.
    3. Describe the ways in which criminal law is created and how it is limited.
  2. Analyze key elements required to prove criminal offenses.
    1. Identify and describe the essential elements of a crime, including actus reus (guilty act), mens rea (guilty mind) and each component of a statute that must be proven.
    2. Classify and define various crime categories, including assault offenses, property offenses, drug crimes, homicide, and public order offenses.
    3. Discuss the different degrees of crimes.
  3. Examine defenses to criminal liability, including justification and excuse defenses.
    1. Understand and apply various defenses to criminal liability, including justification and excuse defenses.
    2. Assess the impact of defenses on criminal liability and the elements of the crime.
    3. Explore the legal and ethical implications of invoking certain defenses in criminal trials.
  4. Identify inchoate crimes.
    1. Define and apply the concept of inchoate crimes, including attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation.
    2. Analyze the legal principles that govern the punishment and prosecution of inchoate offenses.
    3. Understand the relationship between completed and attempted crimes, including the legal penalties for each.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Grade

Summative Assessments

Exam (3) (equally weighted)

50%

Delaware Case Scenario Statute Project

10%

Formative Assessments

This course will contain various formative assessments including, but not limited to:

  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Discussion boards

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
  2. Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
  3. Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
  4. Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
  5. Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.



Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal