Master Syllabus CJ1513, Constitutional Law

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the United States Constitution and its influence on the criminal justice system, placing emphasis on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Amendments.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Outcome #8: Show the ability to contribute to political, civic, and community responsibilities as an informed member of society

Course Outcomes

At the completion of this course, students should be able to apply Constitutional law in their day to day duties as criminal justice professionals. The student will demonstrate their understanding of the subject by demonstrating at least 70% competency of the topics to be covered, including:

  1. Develop an understanding of the history of the United States Constitution.
  2. Evaluate the basic purpose of the components of the legal system in the United States.
  3. Examine the role of the United States Supreme Court.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to research court cases.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the balancing of individual, state, and federal rights and how they relate to the criminal justice system.
  6. Identify and discuss the Constitutional Amendments that influence the criminal justice system.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of the effect of the Amendments on the criminal justice system.
Course Outline
  1. A Foundation for Understanding Constitutional Law
  2. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  3. The Fourth Amendment
  4. The Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments
  5. Case briefs and presentations will be assigned throughout the semester
Instructional Methods
  1. Lecture/discussion
  2. In-class assignments
  3. Internet assignments
  4. Case brief presentations
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Internet
  2. Law journals
  3. Case studies
  4. Current articles
  5. White board
Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessing SCCC and course outcomes and specific course competencies include tests, daily work, class attendance, and participation.

Outcome 1

Outcome 2

Outcome 5

Outcome 8

  1. Will be assessed by class participation, writing assignments, and verbal discussion indicating comprehension of material read.
  2. Will be assessed by written explanations of various court cases.
  3. Will be assessed by class presentations, essay, multiple choice, and true/false exams, and class discussions over subject matter.
  4. Will be assessed by classroom discussion and exams regarding the duties of various professionals and citizens in relation to constitutional law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.