A study of substantive criminal law. Examines the development and nature of common, constitutional, statutory, and case law in America. Surveys the classification, definition, and essential elements of key crimes as well as defenses to criminal liability. Includes an overview of parties to crimes, inchoate offenses, the distinctions between criminal and civil law, and the philosophy of law as a social force. Exposes students to legal research methods and the study of case law.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.