Faculty

CRIJ-1306 Court Systems and Practices

Gerald Hildebrand

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

CRIJ-1306-001 (16021)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Course Requirements

Structure:
This course is structured for students to move through the assignments with specific due dates for each section. The dates are listed in REVEL (assignments). All activities are listed within the assignment including all quizzes. We do not have tests only quizzes throughout the course. Complete all activities within the assignments then move to the next assignment. If you miss the deadline you will not be allowed to make it up.
Also, we plan to have a discussion borad for this course to be announced after the new year.

Online Orientation:
Read the syllabus first. The orientation simple requires students to register within the course after clicking the "REVEL" tab. Provide your access code, you have already purchased, the get familiar with the assignments and due dates. Don't open any of the quizzes as they will be available only one time.

Attendance:
The on-line attendance policy is to simply do the required assignments. Failure to complete assignments within the due dates will result in zero points for that assignment which cannot be made up.

Assignments Activities and quizzes,:

CHAPTER : 1: Legal Foundations

Introduction
1.1: Courts and Their Importance (9 points)
1.2: Legal Basis for the Courts (9 points)
1.3: Guiding Legal Principles (9 points)
1.4: Types of Disputes (9 points)
Chapter 1 Summary: Legal Foundations
What Will You Do?
Chapter 1 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 2: Who Controls the Courts?

Introduction
2.1: Legislative Control (9 points)
2.2: Executive Control (9 points)
2.3: Control from Above (9 points)
2.4: Other Forms of Control over the Courts (9 points)
Chapter 2 Summary: Who Controls the Courts?
What Will You Do?
Chapter 2 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 3: Federal Courts

Introduction
3.1: Brief History of the Federal Courts (9 points)
3.2: Structure of the Federal Courts (9 points)
3.3: Other Federal Courts (9 points)
3.4: Federal Judicial Administration and Caseloads (9 points)
Chapter 3 Summary: Federal Courts
What Will You Do?
Chapter 3 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 4: State Courts

Introduction
4.1: History of State Courts (9 points)
4.2: State Court Structure (9 points)
4.3: State Court Workloads (9 points)
4.4: State Court Administration (9 points)
4.5: Recent Developments (9 points)
Chapter 4 Summary: State Courts
What Will You Do?
Chapter 4 Quiz (100 points)
Simulation: State and Federal Court Systems

CHAPTER : 5: Juvenile Courts

Introduction
5.1: History of Juvenile Justice (9 points)
5.2: Juvenile Courts Today: Priorities, Organization, and Process (9 points)
5.3: Treatment of Juveniles as Adults (9 points)
5.4: Changing Landscape of Juvenile Justice (9 points)
Chapter 5 Summary: Juvenile Courts
What Will You Do?
Chapter 5 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 6: Specialized Courts

Introduction
6.1: Origins and Distinguishing Features of Specialized Courts (9 points)
6.2: Varieties of Specialized Courts (9 points)
6.3: Threats to and Keys to Success for Specialized Courts (9 points)
Chapter 6 Summary: Specialized Courts
What Will You Do?
Chapter 6 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 7: Judges

Introduction
7.1: The Judicial Role and Functions (9 points)
7.2: Federal Judges (9 points)
7.3: State Judges (9 points)
7.4: Judicial Ethics (9 points)
7.5: Judicial Decision Making (9 points)
7.6: Limits on Judicial Decisions (9 points)
What Will You Do?
Chapter 7 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 8: Prosecutors

Introduction
8.1: Types of Prosecutors (9 points)
8.2: Prosecution Throughout History (9 points)
8.3: Charging Decisions (9 points)
8.4: Protections for Prosecutors (9 points)
8.5: Ethics (9 points)
8.6: Prosecutors on the Job (9 points)
What Will You Do?
Chapter 8 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 9: Defense Attorneys

Introduction
9.1: The Function of Defense Attorneys (9 points)
9.2: History of Criminal Defense (9 points)
9.3: Types of Defense Attorneys (9 points)
9.4: Defense Attorneys on the Job (9 points)
9.5: Defense Attorneys, Their Clients, and the Public (9 points)
9.6: Defense Ethics (9 points)
What Will You Do?
Chapter 9 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 10: Defendants and Victims: Their Roles and Rights

Introduction
10.1: Defendant Characteristics (9 points)
10.2: Criminal Defendants' Rights (9 points)
10.3: Victim Characteristics (9 points)
10.4: Victim Involvement in the Court Process (9 points)
Chapter 10 Summary: Defendants and Victims: Their Roles and Rights
What Will You Do?
Chapter 10 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 11: Pretrial Procedures

Introduction
11.1: Arrest and Probable Cause (9 points)
11.2: Exclusionary Rule (9 points)
11.3: Initial Appearance (9 points)
11.4: Pretrial Release (9 points)
11.5: Charging the Offender (9 points)
11.6: Arraignment (9 points)
11.7: Discovery (9 points)
Chapter 11 Summary: Pretrial Procedures
What Will You Do?
Chapter 11 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 12: Plea Bargaining and Guilty Pleas

Introduction
12.1: Plea Bargaining (9 points)
12.2: The Plea Bargaining Process (9 points)
12.3: Guilty Pleas (9 points)
Chapter 12 Summary: Plea Bargaining and Guilty Pleas
What Will You Do?
Chapter 12 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 13: The Jury and the Trial

Introduction
13.1: The Jury (9 points)
13.2: Jury Process (9 points)
13.3: Jury Decision Making (9 points)
13.4: The Trial/Speedy Trial (9 points)
13.5: Public Trial (9 points)
13.6: The Trial Process (9 points)
Chapter 13 Summary: The Jury and the Trial
What Will You Do?
Chapter 13 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 14: Sentencing, Appeals, and Habeas Corpus

Introduction
14.1: After Trial (9 points)
14.2: Types of Sentences (9 points)
14.3: Determination of the Appropriate Sentence (9 points)
14.4: Appeals (9 points)
14.5: Habeas Corpus (9 points)
Chapter 14 Summary: Sentencing, Appeals, and Habeas Corpus
What Will You Do?
Chapter 14 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 15: Differential Treatment and Wrongful Convictions

Introduction
15.1: Differential Treatment (9 points)
15.2: Research on Race, Ethnicity, and Case Processing (9 points)
15.3: Gender Discrimination (9 points)
15.4: The Rush to Judgment: Wrongful Convictions (9 points)
Chapter 15 Summary: Differential Treatment and Wrongful Convictions
What Will You Do?
Chapter 15 Quiz (100 points)

CHAPTER : 16: Technology, Alternatives, and the Future

Introduction
16.1: Technology in the Courts (9 points)
16.2: Alternatives to Traditional Adjudication (9 points)
16.3: Courtrooms of the Future (9 points)
16.4: Emerging Problems and Pressing Issues (9 points)
Chapter 16 Summary: Technology, Alternatives, and the Future
What Will You Do?
Chapter 16 Quiz (100 points)

Grading policy:

This course has a maximum point value of 2275 points. See the calcualations below for point figues needed for each grade value: The discsussion board will add an additional 100 points to the point valueabove.

2047-2275= A

1820-2046= B

1592-1819= C

1365-1591= D

< 1365= F

Readings

The textbook can be purchased along with the access code if the student desires the book. Otherwise the e-book come with the course as part of the first day access.

Courts and Criminal Justice in America
Larry J. Siegel
Frank J. Schmalleger, Emeritus, University of North Carolina
John L. Worrall, University of Texas at Dallas

ISBN-13: 9780131745766

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Course Subjects

Chapter 1 Legal foundations

Chapter 2 Who controls the courts?

Chapter 3 Federal Courts

Chapter 4 State Courts

Chapter 5 Juvenile Courts

Chapter 6 Specialized Courts

Chapter 7 Judges

Chapter 8 Prosecutors

Chapter 9 Defense Attorneys

Chapter 10 Defendants and victims

Chapter 11 Pretrial procedures

Chapter 12 Plea bargaining and guilty pleas

Chapter 13 The jury and the trial

Chapter 14 Sentencing, appeals and habeas corpus

Chapter 15 Differentail treament and wrongful convictions

Chapter 16 Technologies and future

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

CRIJ 1306 THE COURT SYSTEMS AND PRACTICES
TCLEOSE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

6. Code of Criminal Procedure

Unit Goal: 6.1. The student will have a basic understanding of the statutory authority for administration of criminal procedure in Texas and the basic rights enumerated in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

6.1.1 Outline the organization of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
6.1.2 Identify the basis for administration of criminal procedure in Texas.
6.1.3 Identify the basic rights enumerated in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Unit Goal: 6.2 The student will have a general understanding and working knowledge of the general duties and responsibilities of the code for officers.

6.2.1 Identify who are magistrates and their duties.
6.2.2 Identify who are peace officers.
6.2.3 Identify the duties of peace officers.

Unit Goal: 6.3. The student will have a general understanding and working knowledge of the courts and their criminal jurisdiction.

6.3.1. Identify courts which have criminal jurisdiction.
6.3.2. Identify the jurisdiction of the Courts of Appeals.
6.3.3. Identify the jurisdiction of the Court of Criminal Appeals.
6.3.4. Identify the jurisdiction of District Courts.
6.3.5. Identify the jurisdiction of the County Courts.
6.3.6. Identify the jurisdiction of the Justice Courts.
6.3.7. Identify the jurisdiction of Municipal Courts.

Unit goal: 6.4. The student will have a general understanding and working knowledge of the procedures to be followed in the prevention and suppression of offenses.

6.4.1 Describe the procedures to be followed in family violence prevention by officers.
6.4.2 Describe the procedures to be followed by peace officers upon being informed of threats of injury or death to persons or damage to property.
6.4.3 Describe the procedures to be followed by peace officers in suppression of riots and other disturbances.

Unit Goal: 6.5. The student will have a basic knowledge of the time limitations relating to felonies and misdemeanors.

6.5.1. Identify the time limitations relating to felony offenses.
6.5.2. Identify the time limitations relating to misdemeanor offenses.
6.5.3. Identify the time limitations relating to aggravated offenses, attempt, conspiracy, solicitation, and organized criminal activity.

Unit Goal: 6.6. The student will have a basic knowledge of the requirements and procedures for arrests without and with a warrant of arrest.

6.6.1 Identify the requirements and procedures for arrests without a warrant.
6.6.2 Identify the requirements and procedures for arrest under a warrant.

Unit Goal: 6.7. The student will have a basic knowledge of the requirements and procedures for search warrants.

6.7.1 Identify the requirements and procedures for search warrants.

Unit Goal: 6.8. The student will have a basic understanding of pre-trial court processes as they relate to criminal offenses.

6.8.1 Define Indictment and Information
6.8.2 Define Capias and identify its requisites.
6.8.3 Identify the reason for issuance of subpoenas.
6.8.4 Define Subpoena and Duces Tecum.
6.8.5 Identify the penalty for refusing to obey a subpoena.
6.8.6 Recognize and define the elements of a commitment order and service of process.
6.8.7 Explain the bail procedure.

Unite Goal: 6.9. The student will understand the process upon the finding of a dead body and requirements of an inquest.

6.9.1 Identify requirements for an inquest.

Unit Goal: 29.2. To enable the student to recognize the legal issues pertaining to family violence.

29.2.1 Explain and identify the elements of the law pertaining to family violence.
29.2.2 Define family violence terms.
29.2.3 Explain the application procedure for a Protective Order.
29.2.4 Describe the Protective Order court hearing process.
29.2.5 Discuss what a Protective Order is, what it means, and consequences of violation.
29.2.6 Discuss the recommended steps in handling domestic disturbances or other calls involving Temporary Ex Parte Protective Orders & Protective Orders.

Unit Goal: 29.3 To increase the student's understanding of procedures for responding to family violence.

29.3.1 Discuss family violence situations and describe procedures for conducting preliminary investigations.
29.3.2 Give examples of community resources and services to be used in family violence incidents.

ACC Concealed Handgun Policy

Please read:

SYLLABUS NOTIFICATION OF CAMPUS CARRY

Statement for standard classroom courses (non-exclusion zone)

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

Statement for classroom courses with physical activity (non-exclusion zone)

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may involve considerable physical activity. Bending, stretching, lifting, and other rigorous activities associated with CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills occur regularly in class. Such activities may expose concealed weapons and place the license holder in violation of state law. Therefore, it is recommended that concealed weapons be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

Statement for classroom courses in exclusion zones

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.

Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CJLE 2522 Peace Officer Skills classes may be held in an area designated as an exclusion zone as defined by state law or the college’s concealed handgun policy. Concealed carry is prohibited in exclusion zones. Concealed weapons must be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.