This course is an overview of American court history, including the development of state and federal courts. Court administration, the roles of professional and non-professional courtroom participants, and stages in the process are discussed.
Compare and contrast state and federal prosecutions.
Understand the rules and procedures available for criticism of judicial performance.
Discuss the work-related functions of the judge.
Discuss the benefits and frustrations of the position of the judge.
Discuss the work-related functions of the defense attorney.
Understand the right to counsel and the obligations of defense counsel.
Understand the role of the defense attorney.
Discuss the work-related functions of the prosecutor.
Define the role of the prosecutor.
Discuss the problem of "delay" and its effects on the functions of the court.
Discuss the inner workings of the courthouse and identify the people who work there.
Pre-trial Proceedings
Understand the arraignment.
Compare and contrast the preliminary hearing and grand jury procedures.
Understand the initial appearance and charging process.
Discuss the effect of arrests on the court process.
Discuss theories of case attrition.
Discuss the procedures contesting confessions, searches and seizures.
Understand the rules regarding disclosure of evidence.
Discuss bail reform.
Understand the process of bail setting.
Defendants, Victims and Witnesses
Discuss the Victims' Rights Movement and programs to assist victims and witnesses.
Understand the characteristics of victims.
Understand the court process through the eyes of victims and witnesses.
Understand the characteristics of defendants.
The Legal System
Compare and contrast federal and state courts and their organizational structure.
Discuss caseloads of state courts.
Discuss caseloads of federal courts.
Differentiate between civil and criminal law.
Identify the rights of the accused.
Understand the basis for the law.
Juvenile Courts
Understand Juvenile Court Procedure.
Identify Juvenile Courtroom Work Group.
Understand Juvenile Court jurisdiction.
Compare and contrast juvenile and adult courts.
Lower Courts
Discuss problems of lower courts.
Identify scope and role of lower courts.
Appellate Courts
Discuss the expansion and contraction of post-conviction remedies and procedures.
Compare and contrast appeals and post conviction reviews.
Understand appellate court procedures.
Dispositions
Discuss the procedures contesting confessions, searches, and seizures.
Understand sentencing procedures.
Understand theory underlying sentencing choices.
Identify and understand trial procedures.
Understand jury selection procedures.
Discuss the constitutional right to trial by jury.
Discuss the abolition of plea bargaining.
Understand plea bargaining procedures.
The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.