Maricopa Community Colleges  LAS115   20016-20035 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 04/24/01
LAS115 20016-20035 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Criminal Trial Procedure
Procedural aspects of the criminal trial process in Arizona state courts from preliminary proceedings through trial. Emphasis on application of the rules of criminal procedure and preparation of common trial documents by paralegals. Documents include the charging instrument, pre-trial motions, and jury instructions. Prerequisites: LAS101, or permission of department chairperson, or program director.
Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 
MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
LAS115   20016-20035 Criminal Trial Procedure
1. Describe the preliminary proceedings in a criminal prosecution and their due process requirements. (I)
2. Compare and explain the procedural requirements for the issuance of a criminal complaint, information, or indictment. (II)
3. Prepare a criminal complaint, information, or indictment. (II)
4. Describe the rights and obligations of the state, defendant, and victims before and during a criminal trial. (III)
5. Compare and contrast the discovery rights and obligations of the state and the defendant. (IV)
6. Describe the nature and scope of pretrial hearings. (V)
7. Prepare a pretrial motion. (VI)
8. Describe the substantive and procedural requirements for pleas of guilty and no contest. (VI)
9. Describe the stages of a criminal trial and identify common evidentiary issues. (VII)
10. Prepare jury instructions. (VII)
Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
LAS115   20016-20035 Criminal Trial Procedure
    I. Preliminary Proceedings
        A. Misdemeanors
          1. Complaint
          2. Warrant and summons
        B. Felonies
          1. Complaint
          2. Warrant and summons
          3. Initial appearance
          4. Arraignment
          5. Preliminary hearing
      II. Charging instruments
          A. Type and content
            1. Complaint
            2. Information
            3. Indictment
          B. Timelines
          C. Joinder and severance
          D. Amendment of charges
          E. Defects in the instrument
          F. Establishment of probable cause
          G. Roles
            1. Procescutor
            2. Magistrate
            3. Grand Jury
          H. Filing Requirements
        III. Rights and obligations of Parties
            A. Right to counsel
            B. Release
            C. Speedy trial
            D. Presence of defendant, victims, witnesses, and spectators
            E. Change of judge or venue
            F. Incompetency and mental examinations
          IV. Discovery
              A. Disclosure by state
              B. Disclosure by defendant
              C. Depositions
              D. Excision and protective orders
              E. Continuing duties to disclose
              F. Sanctions
            V. Pretrial Hearing and Motion Practice
                A. Motions to suppress evidence
                B. Omnibus hearings
                C. Motions to dismiss
                D. Form and content of motions
              VI. Pleas of Guilty and No Contest
                  A. Pleading by defendant
                  B. Duty of court
                  C. Plea negotiations and agreements
                  D. Withdrawal of plea
                  E. Admission of piror conviction
                VII. Trial Stages
                    A. Trial by Jury
                      1. Jury information
                      2. Challenges
                      3. Order of proceedings
                      4. Evidence
                      5. Judgement of acquittal
                      6. Jury instructions
                      7. Deliberations
                      8. Verdict
                    B. Trial by judge
                Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline