CJUS 400 - Evidence

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0

Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Criminal Justice, or the equivalent, and 6 credits of Upper-Division Criminal Justice course work.

Restriction(s): Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science Degree Majors.

Corequisite(s): None

This course covers the history of criminal evidence in U.S. courts, and issues surrounding criminal evidence. The course reviews the main evidentiary concepts and tools used by those working in the court system. There will be a focus on the Federal Rules of Evidence and case law addressing evidence in both criminal and civil matters. Trial strategy and advocacy will be addressed in light of evidentiary rules. The course will give students an understanding of how to work with evidence in the justice system, whether they are in the field collecting evidence that needs to be preserved for trial, or attorneys presenting evidence in the courtroom.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence and the law surrounding the admissibility of evidence.
Students will critically analyze factual scenarios that require application of the evidentiary rules to case examples.
Students will demonstrate their understanding of trial procedure, advocacy and strategy in criminal cases.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in research and writing, including the ability to use criminal justice data regarding evidentiary issues, and incorporate it into their written work.