Syllabus Fall 2008
CJ5551/7551 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
SYLLABUS FALL 2008
Instructor:Richard Rosenthal, J.D.
Office: 201 W. Colfax Ave. Dept. 1201
Phone:(720) 913-3321
email:
Class Time:Thursday 5:30-8:15 p.m.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Judicial Administration offers an in-depth examination of procedural and substantive issues in modern jurisprudence. The course examines the history, concepts, and services related to judicial organization and management. The topics of exploration include the structure and functioning of the courts; roles and responsibilities within the courtroom workgroup; and the social, cultural, psychological, and political forces that influence the functioning of the courts. Judicial decisions and trials highlight issues of discretion, disparity, and discrimination in the court system.
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS: Judicial Administration will provide you with an understanding of the (1) structure and functioning of the courts; (2) dynamics of the courtroom workgroup; and (3) current issues involving discretion, disparity, and discrimination. The course also will help you develop the analytical skills necessary to engage in a critical analysis of issues related to judicial administration.
TEXTS:
- David Lynch (2004). Inside the Criminal Courts. Carolina Academic Press.
- Gilbert Geis & Leigh Bienen (1998). Trials of the Century: From Leopold and Loeb to O.J. Simpson. Northeastern University Press.
- Steve Bogira (2005). Courtroom 302: A Year Behind the Scenes in an American Criminal Courthouse. Alfred A. Knopf.
- Lou Cannon (1999) Official Negligence: How Rodney King and the Riots Changed Los Angeles and the LAPD. Westview Press.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ATTENDANCE: Class attendance and participation is mandatory and will count as part of your grade. A large percentage of the materials presented in class will not be available in the readings. Students who miss classes will find themselves at a disadvantage in discussions.
GRADING: 1/3 of the grade will be for class participation, 1/3 based on completion of a midterm assignment and 1/3 based on a class presentation. Specific details regarding the midterm and finalprojects will be provided on a separate handout.
CJ5551/7551JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
CLASS TOPICS & READING SCHEDULE
FALL 2008
WEEK 1INTRODUCTION
Aug. 14American Legal System & the Role of Law
Rationality and Legitimacy
ReadingsCrimes of the Century: Introduction
Class Presentation: “Our State Courts”
WEEK 2THE ADVERSARIAL SYSTEM
Aug. 21The Nature of the Adversarial System
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Adversarial System
ReadingsCrimes of the Century: Leopold and LoebScottsboro Case
Video:“Scottsboro: an American Tragedy” (90 minutes)
*Midterm Course Assignments Handed Out – Due October 2, 2008
WEEK 3
Aug.28NO CLASS – DNC
WEEK 4RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED & SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONS OF CRIME
Sept. 4Right to CounselMedia Influences
Racial InjusticePublic Opinion
Double JeopardyPolitics in the Courtroom
ReadingsCrimes of the Century: Bruno HauptmannAlger Hiss
Video: “Born Killers – Leopold & Loeb” (50 minutes)
WEEK 5COURTROOM CASE STUDIES
Sept. 11Cameras in the CourtroomDNA Evidence
Civil ProsecutionPolice Perjury
ReadingsCrimes of the Century: O.J. Simpson & Conclusion
Video: “The O.J. Verdict” (58 minutes)
WEEK 6THE COURTS STRUCTURE AND JURISDICTION
Sept. 18State and Federal Courts
The Supreme Court
ReadingsCourtroom 302Chapters 1-6
WEEK 7LOCAL COURT ISSUES
Sept. 25Prosecutorial Issues & Ethics
Readings Courtroom 302Chapters 7-13
WEEK 8LOCAL COURT ISSUES
Oct. 2Defense Issues & Ethics
ReadingsCourtroom 302Chapters 14-19
*Midterm Assignments Due in Class
WEEK 9THE CRIMINAL COURTS
Oct. 9The Education of Lawyers and Judges
A Day in Juvenile Court
Justice Delayed
ReadingsInside the Criminal Courts: Chapters 1-5
LA Times Articles – Rampart Scandal ( - Reference Library)
Video:“Code of Silence – Inside the Rampart Scandal” (27 minutes)
WEEK 10THE CRIMINAL COURTS
Oct. 16The Judge
The Witness
The Steps of Due Process
The Plea Bargain
ReadingsInside the Criminal Courts: Chapters 6-9
WEEK 11THE CRIMINAL COURTS
Oct. 23The Trial
ReadingsInside the Criminal Courts: Chapters10-11
WEEK 12THE CRIMINAL COURTS
Oct. 30Juries
ReadingsInside the Criminal Courts: Chapter 12
Video:“Inside the Jury”
WEEK 13THE CRIMINAL COURTS
Nov. 6Sentencing
Appeals
Death Penalty Issues
ReadingsInside the Criminal Courts: Chapters 13-15
WEEK 14STATE AND FEDERAL TRIALS COMPARED
Nov. 13The Rodney King Trials
Readings:Official Negligence: Chapters 2, 9, 10, 14-17 & 20
Video:“What the Jury Saw in California v. Powell” (116 minutes)
WEEK 15CASE PRESENTATIONS
Nov. 20
WEEK 16
Nov. 27Thanksgiving Holiday
WEEK 16CASE PRESENTATIONS
Dec. 4
FINALS WEEK (Dec. 8-13)
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