Instructor: Tieranny Decuir

Email: decuirts@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6548

Office Hours: Monday -9:00am-4:30pm Tuesday - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesday- 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday- 2:00pm-4:00pm Friday- Appointment Only

Additional Contact Information: None

Fundamental concepts of criminal law and procedure from arrest to final disposition including principles of federal and state law emphasizing the role of the paralegal in the criminal justice system.

Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal, Fourth Edition

ISBN 9781543847307

Publisher- Aspen Publishing 

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.

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LGLA-1307 Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions 

Use terminology relating to criminal law and procedure;

Analyze cases relating to criminal law and procedure;

Draft documents used in criminal law and procedure;

And analyze the ethical considerations of the paralegal relating to criminal law and procedure

1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal’s role in the legal environment.
2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.
3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.
4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills

Chapter 1. The Criminal Justice Process

Chapter 2. The Nature of Crime

Chapter 4. Prosecution of Crime in the United States

Chapter 5. The Distinction Between Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure

Chapter 6. Principles of Criminal Jurisdiction

Chapter 7. The American Federal System and Criminal Jurisdiction

Chapter 8. Constitutional Limits on the Power to Define Crime

Chapter 9. Accountability for Criminal Conduct

Chapter 10. How Criminal Offenses Are Defined

Chapter 11. Affirmative Defenses—Excuse

Chapter 12. Affirmative Defenses—Excuse Chapter 13. Affirmative Defenses—Justification

Chapter 14. Affirmative Defenses—Failure of Proof and Offense Modification Defenses

Chapter 15. Affirmative Defenses—NonExculpatory Defenses

Chapter 16. Criminal Procedure During the Investigative Stage—Search and Seizure

Chapter 17. Criminal Procedure During the Investigative Stage—Privilege Against SelfIncrimination and Other Rights

Chapter 18. Criminal Procedure at the Charging Stage

Chapter 19. Criminal Procedure During the Pre-Trial Stage Chapter 20. Criminal Procedure During the Trial Stage

Chapter 21. Criminal Procedure During the PostTrial Stage—Sentencing and Beyond

Week 1 Chapter 1. The Criminal Justice Process

Week 2 Chapter 2. The Nature of Crime

Week 3 *Assignment 1 Chapter 4. Prosecution of Crime in the United States & Chapter 5. The Distinction Between Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure 

Week 4 *Exam 1 Chapter 6. Principles of Criminal Jurisdiction

Week 5 Chapter 7. The American Federal System and Criminal Jurisdiction

Week 6 Chapter 8. Constitutional Limits on the Power to Define Crime

Week 7 *Assignment 2 Chapter 9. Accountability for Criminal Conduct

Week 8 *Exam 2 Chapter 10. Categories and Types of Criminal Offenses Chapter 10. How Criminal Offenses Are Defined

Week 9 Chapter 11. Affirmative Defenses—Excuse Chapter 12. Affirmative Defenses—Excuse

Week 10 *Assignment 3 Chapter 13. Affirmative Defenses—Justification Chapter 14. Affirmative Defenses —Failure of Proof and Offense Modification Defenses

Week 11 Chapter 15. Affirmative Defenses—NonExculpatory Defenses

Week 12 *Exam 3 Chapter 16. Criminal Procedure During the Investigative Stage—Search and Seizure

Week 13 Chapter 17. Criminal Procedure During the Investigative Stage—Privilege Against SelfIncrimination and Other Rights

Week 14 *Assignment 4 Chapter 18. Criminal Procedure at the Charging Stage Chapter 19. Criminal Procedure During the Pre-Trial Stage

Week 15 Chapter 20. Criminal Procedure During the Trial Stage Chapter 21. Criminal Procedure During the PostTrial State —Sentencing and Beyond Week 16 *Final Exam Final

December 4th, 2026 at 8:00am-December 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Student must make a 70 (C) or above in order to pass this class.

Discussions- 20%

Exams - 30%

Assignments 30%

Final Exam - 20%

Weekly Expectations

1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

·        All exams will open during their designated week.

·        If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

·        Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

Exams may include:

·        Multiple-choice questions

·        True/False questions

·        Short answer questions

·        Essay questions

·        Fill-in-the-blank questions

Textbooks

Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

Grading

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages—instructors will not calculate averages for students.

Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor. 

Make-Up & Late Work

Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Conditional AI Policy

The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

1. Attribution Required: Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations. When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing: a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections. b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts). c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

2. Prohibited Use: AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved. Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

3. Responsible Use: Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter. You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations. AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

4. Academic Integrity: Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct. Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

Instructor Guidance: Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects. Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

Academic Integrity:

1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Student Responsibilities:

Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

Technical Issues:

Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson related issues cause delays in completing coursework.

• Attendance is based on active participation in weekly discussion posts within Blackboard Ultra.
• Students are expected to post and respond in discussion boards by the assigned deadlines.
• Failure to participate in discussion activities may result in being marked absent for that week.
• Regular participation in discussions demonstrates engagement with course content and contributes to overall success in the course. 

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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.