From 2001 through the spring of 2012, I worked as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at Graceland University, in Lamoni, Iowa. During that time, I taught the following courses: Criminal Law–Fall 2001, Fall 2003, Fall 2005, Fall 2007, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012. Topics include constitutional limits on criminal law, general principles of criminal liability, parties to crime and vicarious liability, attempt, conspiracy, solicitation, defenses (justification and excuse), crimes against persons, crimes against property, and crimes against public order.
Curriculum includes mock trial of a murder case using real judge, jury, and court reporter. Students play role of attorneys and witnesses, learning trial techniques including development of a theory of the case, opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, rules of evidence and objections. Criminal Procedure–Spring 2002, Fall 2004, Fall 2006. Through study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, students explore the meaning of criminal procedure, the 4th Amendment and the exclusionary rule, arrest and stop procedures, search warrants, warrantless searches, right to counsel, interrogation and confessions, identification of suspects, pretrial process and trial process.
Special readings are used to teach the workings of U.S. Supreme Court, and to examine use of expert witnesses in criminal cases, false confession issues, special issues relating to interrogation of children, problems of eyewitness identification, and comparative police line up techniques. Students learn legal research techniques and write motion to suppress illegal search as final project. Introduction to Criminal Justice–Spring 2003. Course surveys the criminal justice system, laws and crime, policing, the courts, prosecution of crimes, sentencing, and corrections.
Curriculum designed to utilize guest speakers including police officers to explain search, inventory, and drug enforcement activities, director of state crime lab to explain forensic evidence in criminal cases, attorney general to explain prosecution of crimes, judge to discuss trial procedures, and adult and juvenile probation officers to discuss diversion and supervision of offenders. As one of Iowa’s top rated criminal defense attorneys, I would be proud to put my skills and experience to work for you. Call me today for a free initial consultation.