SSP 259 - Criminal Justice and the Constitution

4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU). This course is not for Credit(s).

This class is designed to enable the student to receive an introduction to the development of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and XIV Amendment, and their impact on criminal justice. Topics to be covered include: introduction to constitutional law; laws, types of crime, and sources of law; federalism; jurisdiction and venues; Maryland court system; federal court systems; the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; the Supreme Court; criminal trial procedures; and civil li ability.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to

1. develop a general understanding of the history and purpose of the U.S. Constitution,
2. identify the constitutional limitations imposed on all levels of government in America,
3. relate the history of constitutional authority to the criminal justice system,
4. state the functions of the Supreme Court,
5. distinguish between Maryland and federal court systems, and
6. define civil liability and its legal implications.