Law 604:  Criminal Law

In this course the student studies the development of the substantive criminal law and problems related to its application in modern society. Among the matters that may receive significant attention in the course are: (1) the purposes of the criminal law; (2) limitations upon the definition of crime and the imposition of punishment; (3) the general requirements of act and mental state in the criminal law; (4) the classification of crimes in the homicide area; (5) the insanity defense; (6) various principles of justification and excuse; (7) the inchoate crimes of attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation; (8) rape; and (9) accomplice liability. Particular emphasis is placed upon the Model Penal Code as an illustration of a comprehensive, modern criminal code.

Sequence and Prerequisites: Required in the first year for JD students.

Evaluation: Administered Final Examination