Law 740002
Professor Medina
Spring Semester 2000
TR 8:30 to 9:45; Room BA 202
This course surveys federal constitutional law as it impacts the criminal justice system. We focus on developing an understanding of the constitutional limits on criminal procedure; that is, the extent of protection accorded the individual by the United States Constitution in the criminal context. We focus primarily on felonies as prosecuted in state systems, since over 95% of all prosecutions are brought under state law. We examine the theoretical principles and analytical framework developed by the Supreme Court to determine the extent of protection accorded individuals by the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
You will need Israel, Kamisar and LaFave, Criminal Procedure and the Constitution (1999). You will be assigned between 20-30 pages for each class. We will discuss the major cases that you have been assigned in class, but you are responsible for understanding all of the assigned reading. Thus, I expect you to be assertive participants in class discussion. If something is not clear from your reading or the discussion in class, ask questions. Grades may be affected by consistent unpreparedness.
The course description, schedule and announcement are available on my course web page. You may access the web page through the Loyola Law faculty home page under my last name. During the first week of class please sign on to the class list serve by sending a message to majordomo@loyno.edu. Do not specify a subject. The body of the message should read:
subscribe lawl740002 your e-mail name
I use the class listserve to make changes to the syllabus and to respond to questions about the material we cover in class.
Next class a seating chart will be passed around; if you wish to sit in a particular seat or area for the remainder of the semester, come early next time! It is your responsibility to sign the seating chart and to sign the attendance sheet every class period.
Office hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 12 or by appointment. My office is on the fourth floor; my office telephone number is 861-5655. My e-mail address is medina@loyno.edu. Please feel free to stop by at any time.