MVV395K Introduction to Criminal Law and Trial by Jury in the United States

Faculty of Law
Spring 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Hon. Kathleen Lang (seminar tutor), prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D. (deputy)
prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. Ing. Michal Radvan, Ph.D.
Faculty of Law
Contact Person: Mgr. Věra Redrupová, B.A.
Supplier department: Faculty of Law
Timetable of Seminar Groups
MVV395K/01: Wed 13. 3. 14:00–15:40 041, Thu 14. 3. 16:00–17:40 041, Mon 18. 3. 14:00–15:40 041, Tue 19. 3. 10:00–11:40 041, Wed 20. 3. 10:00–11:40 041, Thu 21. 3. 14:00–15:40 041, Mon 25. 3. 8:00–9:40 041, Tue 26. 3. 14:00–15:40 041
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 19/30, only registered: 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 60 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course will provide an overview of the structure and process of the United States Criminal Justice System in both state and federal courts. Included will be discussions of current events affecting the American criminal justice system. Simultaneously, there will an in depth study of trial by jury culminating in a mock jury trial.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic structure of the criminal justice system in the United States.
2. Discuss basic procedural steps in a criminal proceeding, the rights guaranteed to an accused by the United States Constitution, the concept of state of mind and defenses that may be asserted.
3. Show knowledge of issues involved in sentencing and alternatives to incarceration.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the jury trial process and participate in a mock jury trial.
Syllabus
  • 1. OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES LEGAL SYSTEM: Discussion of the three branches of government and how they relate to the existing legal system; Dual state and federal legal systems and the resulting jurisdictional issues raised; The United States Constitution as the basis for the creation of existing laws and procedures within the justice system; A discussion of the judicial branch and current issues and events, such as judicial independence. TRIAL BY JURY Part 1– Discussion of the history of jury trials; The part they play in the American justice system; The basis of the adversary system.
  • 2. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: A discussion of the rights created by the United States Constitution; Due Process under the law; How rights under the United States Constitution are applied in state courts and additional protections afforded by state constitutions; A discussion of constitutional interpretation as it relates to current issues and events.
  • 3. CRIMINAL LAW: The entities involved in a criminal case, their roles, and relationships; Crimes against the person and crimes against property; Offenses committed by juveniles; Similarities and differences between state and federal crimes. TRIAL BY JURY Part 2 - Basic structure of a jury trial. Discussion of what happens before a jury trial begins and how a jury is selected.
  • 4. STATE OF MIND IN CRIMINAL LAW - Voluntariness; Intent and Motive; Mental State of the accused when committing a crime including actions that are intentional, knowing, reckless, or negligent; The effect of mental state on culpability. Discussion of how mental state applies to a charge of homicide. TRIAL BY JURY Part 3 – After the jury is selected, Opening Statements. Discussion of the purpose, and limitations.
  • 5. DEFENSES TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY; Self Defense; Use of force by law enforcement; Insanity; Competence to Stand trial; Liability for crimes involving attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy. TRIAL BY JURY Part 4 - Direct Examination and presentation of Evidence
  • 6. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - Steps in the criminal process; The importance of the 4th and 5th amendments in the Bill of Rights included in the Constitution; Explore concepts in search and seizure, warrants, and the privilege against self-incrimination; Discussion of what happens when Constitutional rights are violated. TRIAL BY JURY Part 5 - Cross Examination – purpose and procedure.
  • 7. SENTENCING - Plea bargaining; Alternative sentencing; Death Penalty, issues and controversy; Appellate process. TRIAL BY JURY Part 6 Closing Statement – purpose and procedure.
  • 8. Exam and Mock Jury Trial
Literature
  • See Teacher's Information for full details.
Teaching methods
Lecture, instruction, mock jury trial
Assessment methods
Students will participate in a mock jury trial and submit related written summaries as requested. A short written test may also be required, consisting of multiple choice, true/false and short answer
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
Teacher's information
Literature

Law 101; Everything You Need to Know About American Law, Sixth Edition. Jay Feiman. This text will be used by the instructor, but students will not be required to read the text.

Possibly articles related to criminal justice in the United States

Case file for Mock Jury Trial

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