The course examines the origin, development, philosophy, and legal bases of evidence, including a brief survey of the system of constitutional and procedural rules and standards affecting evidence collection and admissibility. Specific topics include evidence collection and preservation, the trial process, expert and lay opinion, scientific evidence, and confessions and admissions. The course requires a research paper.
This course offers an overview of the administration of criminal justice in the United States. Problems of crime prevention and control in American society are emphasized. The course prepares students for further study in criminal justice, for career development in an agency of criminal justice, or for knowledgeable citizenship.
