MASTER SYLLABUS

SECTION SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Court Systems and Practices, CRIJ-1306-005, 49620

ACC Round Rock Campus (RRC), Bldg. 3000, 2nd flr., Room 3207, Round Rock, TX 78665

INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

• Instructor’s name: Felecia Y. Williams
• Phone number: 512-223-1790 ext. 25862
• Office hours and location of office or means of accessing virtual office hours:
  • Wednesdays, 1:30pm – 2:30pm, ACC RRC, 4400 College Park Drive, Bldg. 3000, 3rd flr., Adjunct Faculty Suite, Room 3341, Round Rock, TX 78665.
  • Mutually agreed virtual meetings are available by appointment. Coordinate via email, fwilliam@austincc.edu
  • Students may also contact the instructor through Blackboard.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; sentencing.

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

COURSE RATIONALE

This course will cover information that will assist criminal justice students in continuation of higher education goals and employment in the criminal justice system.

PREREQUISITE

No prerequisite required.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

Department skills for this course are reading, writing, mathematics, thinking skills, personal qualities, workplace competencies and basic use of computers. Students will demonstrate their mastery of these skills using class discussions, written or oral assignments, demonstrations, and test taking.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

Latest edition of:

• ‘America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System’ by Neubauer, Fradella, Cengage Publishing
• First Day Access students do not need a textbook. Please refer to the instructor’s

orientation for more information.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This statement identifies the format in which instruction may occur:

• lecture
• teachback
• lecture/lab
• laboratory
• practicum
• online
• hybrid
• competency-based

DISTANCE EDUCATION (for online or hybrid courses only)

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Please review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at ACC Online Frequently Asked Questions.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11

pm. Additional details are available at ACC WiFi Connection Instructions.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit Student Technology Services.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view campus locations, hours of operation and ways to request support, visit Student Technology Services.

GRADE & ATTENDANCE SYSTEM

All course work will be totaled to calculate the student’s final semester grade. Course assignments, “quizzes” to include module and chapter quizzes, exams, TCOLE worksheets, attendance, active participation, etc. will be totaled to calculate the student’s final grade. Course assignments, “quizzes”, etc. may cover supplemental notes, lectures, handouts, PowerPoint presentation, and assigned readings. The formats for course assignments, “quizzes”, exams, etc. may include but are not limited to multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, oral and/or written presentation, group projects, and essay.

One full grade point will be added to the final grade of students with perfect attendance: actively attended and participated in all semester class sessions. For example: If your calculated total on a 100% scale for your final semester grade is 79.1, it will become 80.1. The difference between a grade of “C” and “B”.

“The State of Texas requires all college courses to certify student attendance by the assigned deadline (XXXXXX). Students who have not attended class and submitted the first assignment will be reported as ‘Never Attended’ and dropped from the course.”

No Extra Credit will be offered except those opportunities available to the entire class.

The Total Column in Blackboard (Bb) Gradebook will show the students’ total points for the point in time reviewed. All partial point credits will be rounded to the appropriate whole number. For example: 79.1 will be rounded to 79, while 79.5 will be rounded to 80.

Final grades will be calculated and will be based on the following scale: 100 – 90 = A, 89 – 80 = B, 79 – 70 = C, 69 – 60 = D, 59 and below = F. A sample grade calculation formula will be provided so each student may calculate their own grade.

OUTLINE OF MAIN POINTS

1. The Judiciary in the Criminal Justice System
   1. Historical Development
   2. Role of Courts in Society
2. Structure of American Court System
   1. The Dual Court System
      1. Federal
      2. State
   2. Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
   3. Courts of Record
   4. Juvenile Court System
   5. The Appellate Structure
      1. Appellate courts as a rule-making system
      2. Incremental change in the law
   6. Court Officers
3. Prosecution
   1. Attorney General, District Attorneys, City Attorneys
   2. The Scope of Prosecutorial Discretion
   3. Plea Bargaining
   4. Court Officer vs. Police Officer Roles
4. Right to Counsel
   1. Public Defender System
      1. Legal authority
      2. Organization and staffing
   2. Relevant Case Law
      1. Prior to arraignment
      2. For petty offenses
      3. In the sentencing/correction process
5. Pre-trial Release
   1. Bail
   2. Diversion
   3. Release on Recognizance
   4. Relevant Case Law
   5. Social and Political Issues

1. Grand Juries
   1. Functions
   2. Proceedings

1. Adjudication Process
   1. Accusatory Pleadings
   2. Jurisdiction and Venue
   3. Arraignment and Preliminary Examination
   4. Trial Proceedings
      1. Motions
      2. Role of judge and jury
      3. Jury selection
      4. Issues of fact
      5. Verdict
   5. Post Conviction Remedies
   6. Variations in Juvenile Procedure
2. Types and Rules of Evidence
   1. Evidence Defined
   2. Forms of Evidence
      1. Real
      2. Documentary
      3. Testimonial
      4. Judicial notice
   3. Types of Evidence
      1. Direct
      2. Circumstantial
      3. Cumulative
      4. Corroborative
   4. Admissibility
      1. Relevancy
      2. Materiality
      3. Exclusionary rule
   5. Witnesses and Privileged Communications
   6. Hearsay Rule and Its Exceptions
3. Sentencing
   1. Pre-sentence Investigations
   2. Judicial Discretion
   3. Variations in Sentencing Statutes
      1. Mandatory
      2. Determinant
      3. Indeterminate
      4. Presumptive
   4. Juvenile Sentencing

BASIC PEACE OFFICER COURSE OBJECTIVES COURT SYSTEMS AND PRACTICES

Chapter 7.       US, Texas Constitution, and Rights

1. 1. Identify the differences between civil and criminal law.
   2. Identify the civil/criminal courts and their jurisdiction.
   3. Identify who are magistrates and their duties.

Chapter 14      Civil Process                       

1. 1. Identify possible imposed liabilities for improper acts by the officer and the outcomes occurring in that course of action.
   2. Describe the difference between civil and criminal law.
   3. Describe the differences and penalties between general contempt of court and constructive contempt of court.
   4. Students will be able to identify the constitutionally, and legislatively created courts of Texas.
   5. Identify the general court jurisdiction of Texas.
   6. Describe civil actions, procedures and process.

Chapter 32      Criminal Investigations                       

1. 1. Discuss the benefits of professional courtroom demeanor and appearance.
   2. Employ the steps used to refresh memory in preparation for testimony.
   3. Demonstrate proper demeanor when called to testify.
   4. Describe methods of court procedure.
   5. Use techniques for presenting effective testimony.
   6. Discuss responses to questions within the limits of known information without speculation.
   7. Explain the procedure for exclusion of witnesses from the courtroom.
   8. Give examples of courtroom tactics used by defense attorneys.
   9. Demonstrate the ability to testify effectively and to critique the testimony of others.

Students will demonstrate these objectives have been mastered through the use of class discussions, written and/or oral assignments, demonstrations, and test taking.

Enrollment Standards

All ACC Texas Peace Officer Certificate students and those who will enter commissioned police employment must meet the following requirements in conjunction with being responsible for all TCOLE requirements:

1. Not be currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would bar licensing.
2. Has never been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.
3. Has never been convicted of an offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B Misdemeanor within the last ten years.
4. Has never been convicted of any family violence offense.
5. Is not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle.
6. Is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
7. Is a United States citizen.
8. All requirements as listed in the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) rules.

All students are responsible for knowing the TCOLE rules prior to entering the program and must provide accurate information regarding their status in relation to the TCOLE rules. Failure to understand and apply the rules is reason for dismissal from the ACC/CRJ program. You may view the complete rules on the TCOLE website: http://tcole.texas.gov/.

Upon successful completion of this criminal justice program, the student will:

• • define the functions and roles of all major components (police, courts and corrections) of the U.S. Criminal Justice System;
  • differentiate the institutions, law and concepts that compose the Criminal Justice System;
  • identify and apply ethical considerations that are intrinsic components of the Criminal Justice System;
  • differentiate, analyze and apply the constitutional constraints under which police, corrections and prosecutors must operate in a free society;
  • distinguish various career paths and positions available in the traditional criminal justice workforce; and
  • *integrate academic theory with practical applications of law enforcement (passing comprehensive examination for the Certificate program).

*Applies primarily in the Level I Certificate Program.

COURSE POLICIES

All students are expected to follow the directions given in the course Master Syllabus, Course Policies, Student Expectations, and Orientation-Introduction. The Course Calendar for the semester includes MindTap assignments and those assignments outside of MindTap. MindTap specific assignments, quizzes, exams, etc. also have the due dates embedded in MindTap. Both calendars include assignment due dates with the associated time.  Students must be aware of these dates/times to be successful in the course. This course cannot be completed without the Cengage MindTap online content. No use of electronic devices is allowed during quizzes/exams. The quizzes/exams are not open books, notes, Internet, or phone/text a friend. You must actively participate in the course, complete related course work, study, and prepare to be successful.

Students should complete all course work prior to the assigned due date/time to avoid any unforeseen or foreseeable disruptions. There is no minimum number of quizzes/tests. The course calendar is considered adjustable and may be revised during the semester to facilitate learning objectives. All students will be informed of any calendar revisions via Blackboard (Bb) Announcement and ACCmail. It is the student’s responsibility to read class emails and announcements in a timely manner.

Regular, timely attendance and participation in face-to-face (F2F) class sessions is REQUIRED. We will have F2F class sessions on Wednesday’s from 3:00pm – 5:00pm at the Round Rock Campus (RRC). As necessary, we may have virtual or pre-recorded class sessions on the same day and time via Zoom (accessed through the course Blackboard). Students will be notified in advance of any virtual or pre-recorded class session to prevent the student from traveling to class unnecessarily. Completion of course work is expected of all students.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

For online courses: Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Situations where classes are cancelled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies: In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of missed class sessions.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. You may withdraw from a class at any time before the withdrawal deadlines published in the Academic Calendar. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

NOTE: It should be understood it is the student’s responsibility and not the instructors to

drop a course. A student that discontinues coming to class and fails to drop a course is

subject to receiving a final, permanent grade of “F”.

Review the Course Outline/Calendar on Blackboard for the final withdrawal date.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

As a rule, late work is not accepted. However, I understand that things happen and a written request via email to submit late work will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the professor. A valid, verifiable explanation with supporting evidence is required. A new due date/time will be established for acceptance of approved late or missed course work. Late (missed) course work may be different than the original course work and may be subject to a 25-point or 25% deduction as appropriate.

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of “I”) will only be given for extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester. A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade.

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in

person. The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

1. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.
2. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.
3. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.
4. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an

“F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

Review the Course Outline/Calendar on Blackboard for detailed coursework information, especially due dates / times.

A separate document will be provided with COLLEGE POLICIES or the content may be found at COLLEGE POLICIES.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.

• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.   
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility.  Testing is now widely available. 

• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
   
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
   
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.
   

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at the Academic Integrity website.   

• Using Websites & Apps: Using websites & Apps that charge fees or require uploading of course material (e.g. Chegg, Course Hero, etc.) to obtain exam solutions or assignments completed by others and present the work as your own violates academic integrity expectations in this course and will be reported to the dean. This is not limited to using AI to complete assignments/quizzes/exams.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws.  Student Rights & Responsibilities

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct.

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online, go to the Counseling website.

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at the Student Complaint Procedures website.  

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Class grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through Blackboard or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at the Emergency Management website.

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Smoke, Vaping, & Tobacco-Free Environment

ACC provides a smoke/vape- and tobacco-free environment for all College vehicles, facilities and all campuses. The College prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of tobacco, smoke, and nicotine vapor products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased or supervised by the College, including all College facilities, buildings, grounds, and vehicles. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College uses by agreement, and further applies to all College and personal vehicles on ACC District property.  Campus Managers and Campus Coordinators are required to inform anyone on their campus or in their center who are violating this rule that they are doing so and, if the violator is a student, the Dean of Student Affairs must initiate disciplinary procedures.

Campus Carry

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 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at the Campus Carry website.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at the ACC Email Q&A website.

Use of the Testing Center

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

This is an Online Hybrid course, as a result, course work to include quizzes and exams will be conducted online and face-to-face in-class.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at the Student Resources website.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at the Student Support website.

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations prior to the beginning of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received accommodations from SAS for this course will provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Faculty Notification Letter” (FNL) through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) portal.

Until the instructor receives the FNL, accommodations should not be provided.  Once the FNL is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to request their accommodations as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the semester.

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

Additional tutoring information can be found here: Online Tutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form
• Library Hours of Operation by Location
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Parent and Family Engagement Services

ACC understands how important parent and family support is to every student's college journey. From parents and siblings to stepparents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at ACC is committed to empowering families to support student success. The office provides a family orientation to ACC, free workshops explaining the world of higher education (financial aid, student resources, career and transfer services, etc.), a monthly newsletter full of student success tips, and a website designed to answer family members' frequently asked questions. All students, especially first-generation students, are encouraged to share these resources with their families and invite them to be part of the Riverbat experience. Contact familyengagement@austincc.edu or visit the Parent & Family Engagement website for more information.

Academic Adjustments for Pregnant Students

ACC works with each student to provide academic adjustments that best meet their needs, including for students who are pregnant.  Examples of such adjustments may include but are not limited to:

• Breaks during class, as needed
• Excused absences or a leave of absence
• Making up missed assignments or assessments
• Additional time to complete assignments in the same manner as the institution allows for a student with a temporary medical condition

Additional examples and further information are available at the Accommodations for Pregnant Students website.  To request adjustments due to pregnancy, contact equalopportunity@austincc.edu.

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at the Student Life website.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here at the Central Texas Food Bank website.

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office.  
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at the Child Care website.

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns at the Counseling website.

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help.  However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

Latest edition of:

• ‘America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System’ by Neubauer, Fradella, Cengage Publishing
• First Day Access students do not need a textbook. Please refer to the instructor’s orientation for more information.

Central Themes: Law on the Books, Law in Action, and Law in Controversy.

BASIC PEACE OFFICER COURSE OBJECTIVES

COURT SYSTEMS AND PRACTICES

Chapter 7.         US, Texas Constitution, and Rights

1. 1. Identify the differences between civil and criminal law.
   2. Identify the civil/criminal courts and their jurisdiction.
   3. Identify who are magistrates and their duties.

Chapter 14      Civil Process                       

1. 1. Identify possible imposed liabilities for improper acts by the officer and the outcomes occurring in that course of action.
   2. Describe the difference between civil and criminal law.
   3. Describe the differences and penalties between general contempt of court and constructive contempt of court.
   4. Students will be able to identify the constitutionally and legislatively created courts of Texas.
   5. Identify the general court jurisdiction of Texas.
   6. Describe civil actions, procedures and processes.

Chapter 32      Criminal Investigations                       

1. 1. Discuss the benefits of professional courtroom demeanor and appearance.
   2. Employ the steps used to refresh memory in preparation for testimony.
   3. Demonstrate proper demeanor when called to testify.
   4. Describe methods of court procedure.
   5. Use techniques for presenting effective testimony.
   6. Discuss responses to questions within the limits of known information without speculation.
   7. Explain the procedure for exclusion of witnesses from the courtroom.
   8. Give examples of courtroom tactics used by defense attorneys.
   9. Demonstrate the ability to testify effectively and to critique the testimony of others.

Students will demonstrate these objectives have been mastered through the use of class discussions, written and/or oral assignments, demonstrations, and test taking.