Prerequisite: AJ 101 or PAC 040 or equivalent
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU (*Students will receive credit from UC for only one of the following courses: AJ 106 or AJ 107)
This course presents an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and takes up the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification and general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. The course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law, and its successful completion is a foundation upon which more advanced criminal justice courses will build. The course also includes some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.