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CCOG for CJA 213 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
CJA 213
Course Title:
Evidence
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores the rules regarding the use of evidence according to state and federal laws. A wide variety of topics are introduced relating to evidence including collection, preservation, chain of custody, admissibility and exclusion at trial. Prerequisites: CJA 111; WR 121. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course is designed to provide a broad overview of evidentiary rules and procedure, primarily related to the courtroom. Forensics, a separate course addresses analysis of crime scenes and laboratory analysis of evidence.

This course is a requirement for completing a degree in Criminal Justice at Portland Community College. Course work may include, but is not limited to, the use of texts, the Criminal Code, journal articles, lecture, group discussion, activities, videos, guest speakers, field trips, community volunteer work, and student presentations.

Intended Outcomes for the course

  • Recognize, document, and preserve evidence in a manner that complies with rules of evidence.
  • Prepare for and testify at trial with an understanding of rules regarding evidence admissibility.
  • Evaluate fact scenarios in terms of the admissibility of evidence introduced at trial.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Objective and subjective examinations, written assignments and projects.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes and Concepts:
This course will address topics including, but not limited to,

  • Evidence and the Pre-Trial process 
  • Evidence and the Trial Process 
  • Witness competency and privileged communications 
  • Lay and expert witnesses 
  • Credibility and impeachment of witnesses 
  • The Hearsay Rule 
  • Admissions and Confessions 
  • The Exclusionary Rule 
  • Circumstantial evidence 
  • Documentary evidence 
  • Physical evidence 
  • Rules of Discovery 
  • Computer-generated evidence 
  • How to testify effectively as a law-enforcement officer