LAW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LAW-2976 Forensics Ms. Ann McGonigle Santos, 2 credits day; credits evening.

Students using this course to fulfill the experiential learning requirement may not also use this same course to meet the legal writing requirement.

This 40-hour course will provide students with an understanding of the law underlying forensic science evidentiary issues, as well as preparing witnesses to testify on various forensic science topics. The course is divided into both lecture and practical sessions. The theoretical and fundamental principles of trial preparation and testimony will be illustrated in the lecture segments and will then be reinforced in practical simulations. Each student will be afforded the opportunity to experience direct and cross examination in a courtroom setting. Upon completion of this course, the participants will have acquired a basic understanding of the law and process of qualifying a witness as an expert; how expert witnesses work with both prosecutors and defense attorneys; ethical issues; preparing witnesses to testify on fingerprint, firearm, and ballistic analysis; and search and seizure issues.

Faculty comments : Grades will be based on class participation, simulations and a final paper. The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis

Elective Course

Meets Experiential Learning Requirement

Final Paper Required

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