This course offers an analysis of doctrines of criminal liability in the U.S. and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crimes, the elements of crimes, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. The course also includes discussion of prosecution and defense decision-making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.

This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. Students who complete this course establish a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice courses will build.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Scott Moller graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1995. Upon admission to the bar, he pursued a civil litigation practice for three years, then began his career as a prosecutor, representing the state of Wisconsin in criminal cases. He served as a prosecutor for the next 15 years, handling cases in a number of jurisdictions across the state. While working as a prosecutor, he offered educational seminars for police officers and taught at Nicolet College. He now serves as a full-time professor and chair of the Department of Administration of Justice at Monterey Peninsula College.