Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Total Student Learning Hours: | 162 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL C1000. |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | No |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
Origin, development, philosophy and constitutional basis of evidence, constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; kinds and degrees of evidence and rules governing admissibility; judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies. 54 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- provide a working knowledge of the rules of evidence, the various kinds of evidence, and the admissibility of evidence
- develop the ability to evaluate the various kinds of evidence available in a given case in order to determine its admissibility in court
- develop the skills needed in handling case material so that evidence admissibility will not be destroyed by improper techniques or procedures
- explain the value of all kinds of evidence and the need to use proper procedures and techniques so as to maintain the value and admissibility of evidence
- demonstrate a working knowledge of the rules of evidence and the admissibility of evidence
- evaluate the various kinds of evidence available in a given case and its admissibility in court
- demonstrate his or her ability to use proper procedures in maintaining the value of evidence involving a hypothetical case
- demonstrate that he or she knows how to relate legally admissible evidence to the corpus delicti of the crime under investigation
Major Course Content
- The Study of Evidence: History, Development, and Approach
- Burden of Proof
- Proof via Evidence
- Substitutes for Admission of Evidence: Judicial Notice, Stipulations, Inferences, and Presumptions
- Relevancy and Materiality
- Competency of Evidence and Witnesses
- Examination of Witnesses
- Privileges
- Opinions and Expert Testimony
- Hearsay Rule and Exceptions
- Documentary Evidence
- Real Evidence
- Results of Examinations and Tests
- Evidence Unconstitutionally Obtained
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Books and/or articles discussing true crime situations including investigation, prosecution, and defense, as well as evidence associated with the incident
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Prepare a written discussion of appellate court issues that challenge the legal process of courts in APA format.
Research high-profile cases and prepare written analysis of the relevance of evidence that resulted in a conviction or acquittal in APA format.
Research high-profile cases and prepare written analysis of the relevance of evidence that resulted in a conviction or acquittal in APA format.
Examples of Outside Assignments
Students will review text material to prepare for discussion during class sessions
Study for weekly chapter quizzes, midterm,
Study for weekly chapter quizzes, midterm,
Instruction Type(s)
Lecture, Online Education Lecture