First 6 weeks
A. The Basics of Law
1. Settling Disputes out of court
2. The Adversary System
Second 6 weeks
A. The Nature and Causes of Crime
1. Gangs and Victims of Crime
B. General Considerations
1. State and Federal Crimes
2. Classes of Crimes
3. Parties to Crimes
4. Crimes of Omission
C. Preliminary Crimes
1. Crimes against the person
2. Gun Control Debate
3. Crimes against Property
4. Defenses
Third 6 weeks
A. Criminal Justice Process
1. Arrest
2. Searches and Seizures and the 4th Amendment
3. Interrogations and Confessions
4. Proceedings before the trial
5. The Courtroom as Theatre
6. Sentencing
7. Corrections
8. Capital Punishment (Death Penalty Debate)
9. Juvenile Justice
During the course of the semester, there will be opportunities for outside resources (speakers) and at least one field trip.
Field trip to Gregg County Court at Law #1 courtroom. Back row: l-r: Judge Becky Simpson, Assistant District Attorney Angie Konczak
Texas Department of Public Safety Forensic Scientists, Ms. Ginger Eastham and Ms. Stacey Phetteplace. Their visit explained to SL students about guns and bullet striations and how that information is used in court.
Ginger Eastham explains to Michael Gillespie how to match bullets and casings.
