Criminal Procedure Skills Syllabus

Office Hours: There are no regularly scheduled officer hours.  To schedule an appointment, please contact me by either phone or e-mail.

Contact Information:

Phone:             (317) 695-7700

Fax:                 (317) 454-1334

Email:              jeffcardella@cardellalawoffice.com

Web:                www.cardellalawoffice.com

Course Description: This course is designed to show students how basic concepts of criminal procedure are tested in the courtroom. By participating in a series of oral advocacy assignments, students will hone their oral and written trial advocacy skills. Over the course of a semester, each student will either serve as an advocate or judge for the following advocacy exercises: bail/bond hearings, pre-trial motions, motions to suppress evidence, miscellaneous issues during trial, and sentencing hearings.  In addition each student must submit one written Motion to Suppress Evidence and One Response to a Motion to Suppress during the course of the Semester. In addition to placing the theoretical course material in a courtroom context, the advocacy exercises give students interested in pursuing a career in criminal law additional practice and feedback on a critical pre-trial skill. This simulation structure will allow students to get “on their feet,” learn courtroom lawyering skills, and receive substantial feedback throughout the semester. Co-requisite or Prerequisite: Criminal Procedure: Investigation or permission of instructor.

Attendance: Regular and punctual class attendance, class preparation, and participation are expected of all students.  A student who is absent from more than 10 percent of classes or class meetings in any course may be dropped from the course at the discretion of the instructor.

Assessments: This class includes both formative and summative assessments to measure your success in achieving the learning objectives, which shall consist of evaluation of performance during in class activities simulating bail/bond hearings, pre-trial motions, motions to suppress evidence, miscellaneous issues during trial, sentencing hearings, and written motions.

Grading: A grade of satisfactory shall require compliance with the  attendance policy, completion of all written assignments, and active participation in class.

Academic Support: The Office of Student Affairs offers academic support programs and resources to assist students with their academic success.  Services include:  one-on-one advising, academic skills workshops, and law school study resources.  Student Affairs staff assist law students with improving study skills, learning strategies, and time management.  Students who have general advising questions or who want to schedule an advising appointment are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Affairs in suite 119.

Accommodations: Students who need accommodations because of physical or learning disabilities should contact Adaptive Educational Services (AES) located in Taylor Hall, room 137.  For more information, visit the AES website.

Sexual Harassment: Indiana University and the Robert H. McKinney School of Law do not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence.  More information on Indiana University’s policy is available online.  If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, please seek help through the Office of Student Affairs or with a confidential counselor.

Counseling: Students who wish to seek counseling or other psychological services should contact the CAPS office by phone at 274-2548 or email.  For more information, visit the CAPS website.

Classes:  The first class will be lecture on the basics of criminal law.  The remainder of the classes will be moot court trial cases where students will be assigned to play the role of either a prosecutor, defense attorney, or witness.  Make sure to check to see if you have been assigned a role before class.  If there is a specific date that you will not be able to attend class, please let me know as early as possible so that you are not assigned a role that day.  There is no mandatory reading for this class.  However, I would suggest that students familiarize themselves with the information under the Common Criminal Offenses, Common Legal Issues, and Search and Seizure tabs.

 

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