ESSAY #1
This week, we learned about the foundations and sources of criminal law, the organization of the court systems and the people that make them function, as well as the constitutional limitations of criminal law in the United States. For your Unit 1 Complete assignment, write a narrative essay (minimum 1200 words) in which you address and discuss the questions and statements listed below. Use at least three scholarly sources and remember to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the READ and ATTEND sections in your essay. Quote your sources in APA format.
- What is the source of most criminal law today? Where does that law come from? What impact does the Model Penal Code have?
- Discuss the adversarial system and the roles of the prosecutor, defense counsel and the judge play.
- Summarize the typical state court structure (i.e., what are the courts at each level and what do they do?). Do the same for the courts at the federal level.
- How do the concepts of separation of powers and federalism place limitations on government’s law-making authority?
- Explain the principles or doctrines of legality, lenity, void for vagueness, and overbreadth as they apply to limitations on criminal law.
ESSAY #2
This week, we learned about the elements of criminal liability, the concept of causation, and the forms of criminal liability for the conduct of others. For your Unit 2 Complete assignment, write a narrative essay (minimum 1200 words) in which you address and discuss the questions and statements listed below. Use at least three scholarly sources and remember to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the READ and ATTEND sections in your essay. Quote your sources in APA format.
- Explain actus reus and what constitutes a criminal act. Also explain mens rea and the different types of lawsuit.
- Explain strict liability and offer an example of two strict liability crimes.
- Compare and contrast factual and legal causation.
- Can ignorance or mistake serve as a criminal law defense? If so, when?
- Compare and contrast forms of vicarious and accomplice liability.
