CJS 238 Substantive Criminal Law

This course will provide an introduction to the legal system of the United States and trace the historical, social and philosophical sources and development of American criminal law from its origin in the common law up to modern criminal statutes; an examination of the essential elements of criminal liability and a thorough analysis of the scope, purpose, definition and classification of criminal offenses, such as crimes against the person, crimes against property and habitation, and crimes against public order, and a discussion of defenses to criminal responsibility. Fall