CCOG for CJA 245 archive revision 201902

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Effective Term:
Spring 2019

Course Number:
CJA 245
Course Title:
Search Warrant Preparation
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers legal concepts in search warrant preparation and focuses on learning to draft legal documents comprised of probable cause statements and judicial orders. Particular attention is paid to strengthening legal writing and evidence gathering in preparation for warrant application. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Students will learn how to gather critical evidence in preparation for a search warrant application, and how to draft legal documents that will withstand defense attacks to suppress evidence. Emphasis will be placed on the actual application and execution process: the supervisor’s review, DA’s review, the Court’s expectations, affirmation under oath, signage of the documents, execution and service of the warrant, return of the warrant, and surviving defense attacks to the warrant.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Effectively investigate criminal offenses with a focus on gathering critical information for the warrant application process
Draft search and seizure affidavits and judicial orders for a variety of criminal offenses and situations
Organize and utilize information to create key documents in a way that will present the least chance for successful evidentiary challenges during motions to controvert or suppress

Course Activities and Design

The materials in this course will be presented in lecture, writing and discussion format. The instructor will use power point presentations, in and out-of-class writing assignments, and role playing scenarios. The instructor may use videos, legal updates, or guest speakers.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment may include in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, along with student participation in, and contribution to, all class and group discussions.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Federal and State Constitutions
State Statutes
Local Judicial Rules
Relevant Legal Case-law
Exceptions to the warrant requirement
Search Warrant Checklist
Statement of Probable Cause (e.g. Nexus, Informants, Basis of Knowledge, exculpatory information)
Execution/Service of the Warrant (e.g. Knock and Announce, Special Endorsements)
Motions to Controvert and Motions to Suppress