MVV372K Overview of the United States Criminal Justice System

Faculty of Law
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Kristi Gray, J.D. (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
MVV372K/01: Mon 13. 11. 18:00–19:40 041, Tue 14. 11. 18:00–19:40 041, Wed 15. 11. 18:00–19:40 041, Thu 16. 11. 18:00–19:40 041, Mon 20. 11. 18:00–19:40 041, Tue 21. 11. 8:00–9:40 041
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: 28/30, only registered: 3/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 80 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
This course will provide an overview of the structure of the United States Criminal Justice System, from the initiation of a criminal case through pretrial proceedings and the resolution of cases. This course will also include discussions of current events that are affecting the processes of the United States Criminal Justice System.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic structure of the United States Criminal Justice System, including state and federal jurisdiction and basic legal terminology.
2. Understand how criminal charges are initiated and describe routine pretrial proceedings.
3. Analyze fact patterns to determine which criminal offenses have been committed.
4. Explain the Constitutional rights afforded suspects and defendants.
5. Discuss the unique aspects of jury trials.
6. Discuss the impact of current societal issues on the United States Criminal Justice System, such as bail reform, the treatment of juvenile offenders and capital punishment.
Syllabus
  • 1.AN INTRODUCTION TO THE UNITED STATES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM:
  • State and federal legal systems and the jurisdictional issues of these respective systems; How the United States Constitution is a basis for the creation of existing laws and procedures within the court system; the structure of criminal courts.
  • 2. THE PRETRIAL PROCESS:
  • Investigation of criminal offenses, arrest procedures and the initiation of criminal charges. A discussion of pretrial detention and bail reform.
  • 3. CRIMINAL STATUTES:
  • Types and classes of criminal offenses; Culpable mental states in criminal offenses; Self-defense and other justifications; Mental health defenses; Designation of penalties for criminal offenses.
  • 4. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS THAT APPLY IN CRIMINAL CASES:
  • The Bill or Rights and the development of these rights through caselaw; Due Process; the exclusionary rule. A discussion of current search and seizure issues related to electronic devices and DNA evidence.
  • 5. JURY TRIALS IN CRIMINAL CASES:
  • The rules that govern trials, including Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rules of Evidence; the jury selection process; appeals and post-conviction litigation.
  • 6. CURRENT TOPICS IN CRIMINAL LAW:
  • The juvenile justice system and the prosecution of juveniles as adults; Capital punishment; How the media affects the criminal justice system.
Literature
  • See Teacher's Information for full details.
Teaching methods
Lecture and discussion
Assessment methods
A written exam during the final session that will consist of multiple choice, true/false and short-answer questions.
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, Fifth Edition. Jay M. Feinman

American Law 101: An Easy Primer on the U.S. Legal System. Jasper Kim

NOTE: I will use these books for my presentations, but students will not be required to read the text.

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