I. Course Objectives:
1. To introduce students to the basic operation of local, state, and federal courts in the United States.
2. To identify key actors in the legal process and examine the roles they play.
3. To examine the main steps in the processing of a criminal felony case and consider the influences of discretion and localized practices in decisions made at each step.
4. To consider the issues involved in improving court operations.

II. Text:
David W. Neubauer, America's Courts and the Criminal Justice System, 8th ed., Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2005.

III. Outline/Reading Assignments (see detailed "Course Outline"):
1. The Legal System
Neubauer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 18, 19 

2. The Courtroom Work Group
Neubauer: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

3. Arrest to Trial
Neubauer: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 

4. Sentencing and Appeal
Neubauer: 15, 16, 17, Epilogue

IV. Tests and Grading
1. Four objective unit exams (T/F, MC, Matching)--one at the end of each of the first four units of course material--and a comprehensive objective final exam. Each exam is worth 100 points. Of the five grades, the four highest will be averaged to determine the course grade according to the following scale:
A = 90-100
B = 80-90
C = 70-80 
D = 60-70
F = Below 60

V. Class Policies
1. Students are expected to attend class regularly. Roll will be taken each class day.
2. If you come to class, arrive on time and plan to stay for the whole period. Avoid being late for class, and do not plan to leave early, unless by prior arrangement with the professor.
3. Do your own work.
4. No make-up exams will be given except when the professor was notified of the absence by the day of the missed exam. Make-ups must be taken before exams are returned and discussed in class. No one will be allowed to take more than one make-up exam.
5. Emergency evacuation procedures. Any students who anticipate needing emergency assistance of any sort, including assistance in evacuating the building, should identify themselves to the professor.