CRJ 222 Constitutional Law

In this course, students focus on legal issues dealing primarily with the relevant amendments and associative case law. The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights are examined and interpreted with emphasis on the criminal justice system.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: CRJ 101 or HDM 101

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CRJ 222 Constitutional Law

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: CRJ 101 or HDM 101

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

In this course, students focus on legal issues dealing primarily with the relevant amendments and associative case law. The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights are examined and interpreted with emphasis on the criminal justice system.

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.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine the history, structure, and contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 5)
  2. Differentiate constitutional restrictions on criminal justice professionals. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 5)
  3. Interpret constitutional principles and cases. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 5)

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 history, structure, and contents of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
    1. Describe the processes and political atmosphere involved with creating the United States Constitution.
    2. Evaluate the need for creating a new document controlling and restricting the authority of the federal government.
    3. Evaluate the impact of the First Amendment.
    4. Discuss the need for separation of power in the newly formed government.
    5. Describe the need for a Bill of Rights.
    6. Evaluate the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
    7. Describe the need for governmental intervention in individual rights.
  2. Differentiate constitutional restrictions on criminal justice professionals.
    1. Read and evaluate the Fourth Amendment.
    2. Differentiate between frisks and searches.
    3. Differentiate between arrest and seizure.
    4. Describe the fundamental characteristics of the various types of searches.
    5. Compare and contrast electronic eavesdropping with search and seizure.
    6. Explain the significance of the exclusionary rule.
    7. Explain the particularities of the Fifth Amendment.
    8. Describe the essential features of custody and arrest.
    9. Explain the process of interrogation.
    10. Describe landmark cases pertaining to interrogation.
    11. Explain the limitations on use of force in law enforcement.
  3. Interpret constitutional principles and cases.
    1. Apply constitutional principles to factual situations.
    2. Explain the consequences of constitutional violations.
    3. Identify the constitutional rights of the accused during the trial, post-trial, and punishment phases of the criminal justice process.
    4. Identify various case laws, and explain their relevance to applied scenarios.

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 Break-out

Summative: Exam (4) (equally weighted)

60%

Formative: Quizzes, assignments, case review, group work (equally weighted)

40%

TOTAL

100%

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

CRJAASCRJ

  1. Discuss criminal justice professionalism in the performance of duties.
  2. Articulate the function and interaction of criminal justice agencies and organizations.
  3. Explain interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations.
  4. Apply knowledge of causation and correction to juvenile and adult offenders.
  5. Describe the legal principles and practices of criminal and constitutional law.

CRJCERDCA

  1. Examine criminal justice professionalism in the performance of duties.
  2. Review the function and interaction of criminal justice agencies and organizations.
  3. Apply interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations.
  4. Review knowledge of causation and correction to juvenile and adult offenders.
  5. Study the legal principles and practices of criminal and constitutional law.

CRJAASLEO

  1. Employ criminal justice ethics in the performance of duties.
  2. Employ the legal principles and practices of criminal and constitutional law.
  3. Utilize interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques with diverse criminal justice populations.
  4. Apply the knowledge and skills of a law enforcement professional.
  5. Meet the academic training eligibility requirements for advanced standing status at the Delaware State Police Academy.

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.