Maricopa Community Colleges  LET109   20004-20015 
Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  05/23/00
LET109      20004-20015 LEC 2 Credit(s) 2 Period(s)
Criminal Law
Overview of the basic concepts and terminology of statutory law. Examination of some of the most frequently used sections in the state codes. Prerequisites: None.
 
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
LET109   20004-20015 Criminal Law
1. Define criminal law and explain the purposes as listed in the state code. (I)
2. Define terms applicable throughout state codes. (II)
3. Define "criminal liability" (II)
4. Identify the time limitations and provisions as outlined by state codes. (II)
5. Describe the culpable mental states. (II)
6. Identify any alternatives to prosecution enumerated in the state codes. (III)
7. Analyze the various classifications of offenses enumerated in the state code. (IV)
8. Given a factual situation portraying a possible violation of state codes, state the following: A) the elements which led to the conclusion B) whether the crime was culminated C) the name of the crime committed. (IV)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
LET109   20004-20015 Criminal Law
    I. Foundation to Criminal Law
        A. Overview of the state criminal code
        B. Effective date
        C. Purposes
        D. Importance of strong criminal law foundation
          1. Avoidance false arrests
          2. Avoidance of civil suits
          3. Avoidance of unfavorable publicity
        E. Applicability of code to other state law
        F. Applicability of common law offenses
        G. Rules of statutory construction
        H. Definition of terms
      II. Criminal Liability
          A. Time limitations
          B. "Spirit of the Law" vs.” Letter of the Law"
          C. Classification of offenses
          D. Preparatory offenses
            1. Attempt
            2. Solicitation
            3. Conspiracy
            4. Facilitation
          E. Requirements for criminal liability
            1. Construction of statutes with respect to culpability
            2. Criminal liability based upon conduct
            3. Liability based upon conduct of another
            4. Effect of ignorance/mistake
          F. Acts of an accomplice
          G. Effect of immunity, irresponsibility, or incapacity
          H. Justification of otherwise criminal acts
            1. Execution of public duty
            2. Use of physical force
            3. Use of deadly force
            4. Self-defense
            5. Defense of a third person
            6. Use of force in the prevention of a crime
            7. Duress as defense
            8. Immaturity
            9. Mental disease of defect
            10. Effect of intoxication
        III. Alternatives to Criminal Prosecution
          IV. Offenses
              A. Homicide
              B. Assault
              C. Kidnapping and Related Offenses
              D. Sexual Offenses
              E. Criminal Trespass and Burglary
              F. Criminal Damage to Property
              G. Arson
              H. Theft
              I. Robbery
              J. Forgery
              K. Fraud
              L. Organized Crime
              M. Obstruction
              N. Escape
              O. Bribery
              P. Credit Card Fraud
              Q. Perjury and Related Offenses
              R. Interference with Judicial and Other Proceedings
              S. Offenses Against Public Order
              T. Family Offenses
              U. Offenses Against Children
              V. Weapons and Explosives
              W. Liquor Laws
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