What This Document Is
This document serves as an introduction to Criminal Law (JUS 375) at Pennsylvania Western University, California. It’s a foundational overview designed to establish core concepts and terminology essential for understanding the field. The document outlines required texts – *Essentials of Criminal Law* and the *Pennsylvania Crimes Code* – and begins exploring the nature of law and its historical development. It’s structured around lecture notes from August 25th and 27th, 2020, and includes a set of review questions due September 1st.
Why This Document Matters
This introductory material is crucial for students beginning their study of criminal law. It provides the necessary groundwork for more complex topics, ensuring a shared understanding of fundamental principles. It’s particularly valuable for anyone needing to grasp the legal framework governing criminal justice, including future paralegals, law enforcement professionals, and those pursuing legal studies. This document sets the stage for analyzing specific crimes and legal procedures throughout the course.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document is a starting point, not a comprehensive guide. It presents definitions and initial concepts but doesn’t delve into detailed case studies or nuanced legal arguments. It also doesn’t provide answers to the assigned questions – those require engagement with the textbook and independent thought. This preview only offers a glimpse into the course’s initial focus; it doesn’t cover the entirety of substantive or procedural criminal law.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* Definitions of key terms like “communication,” “constitution,” “crime,” “substantive criminal law,” and “procedural criminal law.”
* An explanation of the U.S. Constitution’s stability and flexibility.
* A distinction between crimes and civil wrongs (torts).
* Discussion of the two major legal systems: common law and civil law.
* Six review questions designed to assess understanding of the introductory material.
This preview *does not* include the answers to the review questions, detailed explanations of legal systems beyond the initial definitions, or a complete overview of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. It also does not cover the specifics of criminal procedure.