Pleadings and the Courts
PLDC400 — Pleading and The Courts, 3.0 hours
This course will help future paralegals to examine the structure of both state and federal judicial system and jurisdiction which will include but not limited to basic judicial process and procedure including State and Federal Rules of Courts.
Program Objectives
- Describe how the Courts are related to the other components of the Criminal Justice System.
- List the five ways in which juvenile courts differ from adult courts.
- Indicate why ethics is important to the American Legal system
- Explain the difference between the impeachment and the removal of a federal judge.
- Describe the four layers of the criminal justice wedding cake. Identify the types of evidence subject to mandatory criminal discovery.
- Recognize the importance of Boykin V. Alabama. Evaluate the impact of difference in jury size and unanimity requirements.
- Identify the leading cause of wrongful convictions
Professor
Jasmine Viola has extensive experience in the criminal justice field, including work within the Juvenile Court, Ohio Prisons system, County Jail and local halfway houses. Jasmine is currently the Treatment Services Officer for her local Common Pleas Court System.
In her free time, Jasmine assists with the current Second Chance Act grant for the city of Toledo. This grant look to reduce recidivism by welcoming returning citizens back into our society.
Jasmine earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bowling Green State University.
Jasmine also continued on in order to earn a Master’s degree from Tiffin University in Criminal Behavior, and another in Justice Administration. Jasmine is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and has dedicated her life to serving in the Criminal Justice field.
Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation
All members of the Lakewood College community who use the College’s computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewoodcollege.edu
Books and Resources
David W. Neubauer, Henry F. America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System. 13th ed. Cengage, 2023
Evaluation Method
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary
- Assignments - Total of 60 Points
- Weekly discussion forums-Total of 80 Points
- Final Exam - 50 Points
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods. The maximum number of points a student may earn is 190. To determine the final grade, the student's earned points are divided by 190.
Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:
A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
F < (Below 70%)
Assignment and Discussion Forum Post Rubrics
Writing Assignment Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Very Poor |
No Response |
|
Original Posting ____/10 |
Writing assignment was well thought out, coherent, and thoughtfully organized with all parts of the questions addressed along with appropriate grammar and spelling |
Writing was clear and relatively well organized and responded to many/most of the key points with a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Writing was somewhat confusing and not well organized and had little or no focus on the subject matter with significant grammar and spelling errors |
Writing is confusing and hard to follow with no organization while missing the point of the assignment entirely |
No Assignment |
|
Total Points ____/10 |
Additional Comments: |
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent Pass |
Good Pass |
Poor Fail |
No Response Fail |
|
Original Posting PASS/FAIL |
Original post reflected good focus to the discussion with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Original post responded to the topic in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Responded with little or no focus to the discussion and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Reply to fellow student PASS/FAIL |
Response to fellow student reflected good focus to the post with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Response to fellow student in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Little or no focus to the post and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Total Points PASS/FAIL |
Additional Comments: |
Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism
Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.
I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.
Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.
The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.
Disability Accommodations
Students who have a disability and wish to request an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. The student can request an accommodation at any time although it is encouraged to do so early in the enrollment process. The student should complete an accommodation request form which begins a conversation between the school and the student regarding the nature of their disability and an accommodation that would help the student succeed in their program. The school may request documentation regarding the disability to address the accommodation request effectively. The school will communicate to the student the type of accommodation arranged. This process typically follows a team approach, bringing together persons from the academic department (including the instructor) and personnel from other departments as necessary. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.
Disability Services Email: disabilityservices@lakewood.edu
Supplemental Texts
You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation.
American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf
The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Library
Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University
She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730
You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020
She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.
Support
Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.
Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu
Career Services
Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu
Objectives
- Describe how the Courts are related to the other components of the Criminal Justice System.
- List the five ways in which juvenile courts differ from adult courts.
- Indicate why ethics is important to the American Legal system
- Explain the difference between the impeachment and the removal of a federal judge.
- Describe the four layers of the criminal justice wedding cake. Identify the types of evidence subject to mandatory criminal discovery.
- Recognize the importance of Boykin V. Alabama. Evaluate the impact of difference in jury size and unanimity requirements.
- Recognize the importance of Boykin V. Alabama. Evaluate the impact of difference in jury size and unanimity requirements
- Identify the leading cause of wrongful convictions
Lessons
- Courts, Crime, Law, and Controversy
- Federal Courts
Study Course Syllabus
Read Chapters 1 & 2
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
- State Courts
- Juvenile Courts
Read Chapters 3 & 4
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
- The Dynamics of Courthouse Justice
- Prosecutors
Read Chapters 5 & 6
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 1
Lesson Evaluation
- Defense Attorneys
- Judges
Read Chapters 7 & 8
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
- Defendants, Victims, and Witnesses
- From Arrest and Bail Through Arraignment
Read Chapters 9 & 10
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
- Disclosing and Suppressing Evidence
- Negotiated Justice and the Plea of Guilty
Read Chapters 11 & 12
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 2
Lesson Evaluation
- Trials and Juries
- Sentencing
Read Chapters 13 & 14
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete Assignment 3
Lesson Evaluation
- Appellate and Habeas Corpus Review
Read Chapter 15
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Complete the Final Exam
Request the Next Course
Lesson Evaluation
THANKS FOR A GREAT CLASS