Welcome to AJ-52 Concepts of Criminal Law!  This course includes and examination of the principles of California criminal law, including laws of arrest, search and seizure, application of sections of the Constitution of the United States and relevant cases as they apply to and affect contemporary law.  Students will  also gain an understanding of the California Penal Code and other criminal statutes.

Criminal law in California is based on the principals of common law and has been shaped over the course of California's history by elected officials, votor initiatives, and the courts.  This course is ideal for anyone working in the criminal justice system in California.

Whether you are taking this class on your way to a 4-year college or as preparation for a career within the criminal justice system, an important part of your education is learning what is expected of a professional working in the criminal justice profession. The rationale for many of the course policies relates directly to preparing you for successful work in the criminal justice system or any other professional career.

Here are some of the essential attributes of a successful criminal justice professional and how they relate to this class.

• Honesty and trustworthy: This is especially important in an online class.  Doing your own work, not engaging in plagiarism, and not every cheating on a test or assignment demonstrates honesty and that you are trustworthy. Trust is at the heart of the relationship between the public and the criminal justice system. Demonstrating honesty in your actions makes your trustworthy.

• Punctual, exercise time management, and the ability to meet deadlines:  Time management is a critical skill. You can submit your work at any time during the week before the due date and time. Plan ahead and submit your work well before it is due.  This will ensure you meet every deadline.  In the criminal justice system, missing a deadline can jeopardize public safety when criminals are released because a report or other legal paperwork isn't completed on time.

• Ability to communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing: Take the time to proof read your writing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  Every writing assignment is a chance to practice and improve.  Use the CCSF English Lab if you need help.  Report writing is an essential skill in every criminal justice job including law enforcement officer, probation officer, 9-1-1 dispatcher, correctional officer, prosecutor, or defense attorney.  

This course is organized into learning modules.  Each module begins with an Overview and Instructions page that provides an overview of what you will do and learn in that module.  The pages that follow contain videos, text, and links to various websites.  The assignments section includes those activities that you need to complete.  Typically, each assignment section includes a discussion topic, writing assignment, and often a quiz.

As you view each page and complete each activity, a green check mark will appear on the right side of the Modules page display.  This should help you keep track of where you are in any given module.  

The first module is a course orientation.  This module requires you to view each and every page in order.  Some of the pages require you to check the "mark done" button in the lower right corner of that page.  You will find several activities and agreements that you must complete in order to move forward in the course.  This is all designed to ensure you know how to be successful in this class.  Modules will open up at 12:01AM on the Sunday before the module is scheduled to begin.  I will send you an announcement about the coming week's work every Sunday morning.  You are welcome to get started early.

Due dates for every activity and assignment are visible on the Modules page display as well as within the details for each activity.  In most cases, activities and assignments are due by 11:59PM on Sunday night.  The course home page contains a schedule of what modules are assigned each week.  You will also find the dates for exams.  Exams are typically available for 48 hours and you must complete the exam during that time period.

If you encouter an error in the course, please let me know as soon as possible so I can get the problem fixed.  

Below is what the typical schedule looks like for a week of class.

Assessment and grading in this class will be completed using points.  Points are awarded for almost every discussion, activity, survey, writing assignment, quiz and exam. You will find a wide variety of ways to earn the grade you want.

Class participation will also be considered in the final grade calculation. Evaluation and grading of class participation in face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online classes includes active involvement in class and submission of assignments, activities, projects, group activities, and discussions (online and face-to-face). You earn participation points by submitting work and completing activities.

Extra credit is often available to enhance your learning experience in class.

The final course grade will be determined based on a percentage of points earned from the total possible using the scale below.  This includes all writing assignments, papers, exams, graded activities, and class participation.

• A = 90% to 100%


• B = 80% to 89%


• C= 70% to 79%


• D = 60% to 69%


• F = 59% and Below 

My office hours are flexible during the work week.  The best way to contact me is via the Canvas Inbox.  Look for a link on the far left side of the Canvas screen.

Email:  gmiraglia@ccsf.edu
Phone: 707-654-4528
Personal website: www.gregmiraglia.com