Instructor: Trazarra Stelly

Email: stellytn1@lamarpa.edu

Phone: 409-984-6102

Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours- By appointment only, Monday–Thursday, with flexible scheduling. Please contact the instructor via email to arrange a convenient appointment time.

Additional Contact Information: Email is my preferred method of contact. You can also contact Ms. Stelly by phone at (409) 984-6504.

This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law.

Criminal Courts: A Contemporary Perspective, by Hemmens, Brody and Spohn. 5th Edition. Sage Publishing. ISBN 978-1-0718-3389-6

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

None.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Describe the American judicial systems (civil, criminal, and juvenile), their jurisdiction, development and structure.

Analyze the function and dynamics of the courtroom work group.

Identify judicial processes from pretrial to appeal.

Describe the significant Constitutional Amendments, doctrines, and other sources of law in the American judicial system

Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.

Critical Thinking skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking; and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Lectures will cover all 14 chapters:

Section I: The Purpose and Structure Of American Courts

Chapter 1- Introduction: Law and the Judicial Function

Chapter 2- Sources of Law

Chapter 3- Types of Law

Chapter 4- Court Organization and Structure

Section II: Courtroom Actors and The Courtroom Work Group

Chapter 5: Prosecutors

Chapter 6: Defense Attorneys

Chapter 7: Judges

Chapter 8: Criminal Defendant and Crime Victims

Chapter 9: The Jury

Section III: Court Processes

Chapter 10: Pretrial Procedures

Chapter 11: The Criminal Trial

Chapter 12: Sentencing

Chapter 13: The Appellate Process

Chapter 14: Specialized Courts

Final Projects are due on December 7th before 10:00 p.m.

• A: 90-100
• B: 80-89
• C: 70-79
• D: 60-69
• F: Below 60

• Discussions- 20%
• Assignments- 40%
• Quizzes- 15%
• Final Project- 25%

I do not accept late work. All assignments and course requirements are expected to be submitted by the scheduled deadlines. I understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for situations such as documented medical or personal emergencies. Please communicate with me as soon as possible if you believe your circumstances may warrant an exception.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.