Criminal Law governs society’s response to prohibited conduct—actions deemed so harmful that they warrant punishment by the state. This course examines the philosophical foundations, constitutional limitations, statutory structures, and common law traditions that define the field. Students will explore the elements of crimes, the theories of punishment, and the application of criminal responsibility. Through an in-depth, week-by-week progression, we will analyze offenses against persons, property, and the state, as well as defenses, procedural safeguards, and sentencing principles.
The course emphasizes practical application—teaching not only the legal definitions but also how to interpret statutes, assess liability, and navigate real-world criminal cases. By the end, students will be equipped with a clear, working mastery of substantive criminal law concepts and how they function within the U.S. legal system.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
-
Understand the fundamental principles, policies, and sources of criminal law.
-
Identify and analyze the statutory and common law elements of major crimes.
-
Apply criminal law doctrines to fact patterns, evaluating potential liability and available defenses.
-
Differentiate between substantive law and procedural protections within the criminal justice system.
-
Critically assess the role of punishment, proportionality, and justice in criminal law.
-
Evaluate the interaction between constitutional safeguards and substantive offenses.
-
Integrate knowledge of defenses and mitigating factors into practical legal reasoning.
