PSLEGRET7007 - Criminal Law for Paralegals

• Understand foundational criminal law issues, including arrest, search, and seizure.
• Understand the role of a Grand Jury.
• Identify forms of evidence and issues related to use and introduction of evidence by the prosecution.
• Be fluent in the process of discovery during a criminal prosecution.
• Be able to identify categories of crime.
• Know the rights of a defendant during the trial process.
• Recognize potential criminal defenses to specific charges.
• Understand the process of sentencing and appeal of a criminal case.

Self-Guided Learning

This course does not include traditional lectures. Instead, the student will utilize multiple study-support tools that act as a guide for the learning process. These tools may include:

• Chapter Overview and Introduction
• Lecture Notes
• Chapter Review and Review Answers
• Chapter Quiz (required to proceed)

In addition, students will have access to an instructor via email if any questions arise.

Estimated Course Hours (including study and online learning): 24 hours

Course Outline

• Arrest, Search, and Seizure
• Post-arrest and Grand Jury
• Evidentiary Issues in Prosecution
• Interrogation, Confessions, and Miranda
• Arraignment and Discovery
• Principals, Accessories, and Attempt
• Crimes Against the Person and Sex-related Crimes
• Crimes Against Property
• Crimes Against Public Order, Morality and Health
• Rights Associated with the Trial
• Defenses, Sentencing and Appeal

• Paralegals seeking to further enhance their knowledge and skills
• Professionals preparing to become a paralegal in a law firm, working for a state or county prosecutor, or for a public defender
• Professionals seeking legal perspectives on criminal law and procedure

Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.

Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final as of 10 working days before class starts. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline are subject to a 10% processing fee and must be made in writing to gscs@rice.edu. If books have been issued, the cost of the books and any shipping fees will be deducted. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit until the following statement. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.

Student Performance Assessment Methods and Grading Procedures

Your grade in this class will be based upon your cumulative understanding of the course concepts.

• Final Exam: The final exam will be 50% of the course grade.
• Written Assignments: You will have two written assignments, which will each be worth 25% of your final grade. The assignments will be provided on the Study Support website.

In preparing assignments, all positions and conclusions must be substantiated and supported. Identify all key areas, fully address all questions and provide the basis for your conclusion. Please also cite sources to support your statements.

Your assignment grades will be based upon the above criteria. Please be comprehensive in drafting your responses and reach out to your Instructor if you require clarification or assistance.

In order to ensure that you understand the concepts covered in the exam and assignments, make sure to review the text materials, as well as the Chapter Quizzes, available on CareerStudyLabs.com.

Textbook

Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal, 2nd Edition (Bevans)

Formats and Prices (approximate):

Standard New (recommended): from $138
Standard Rental: $55
eTextbook: $63