VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
                 DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

AJP 378  Juvenile Justice          Mary J. Clement, JD/MSW, Ph.D.
         Law and Process           816 W. Franklin St., 2nd Floor
                                   (804) 828-1050

DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE

Examines the juvenile court as an institution: its jurisdiction and procedures. Considers intake, pre-trial diversion and hearings, as well as rights and liabilities of the delinquent, dependent and neglected child. Contrasts juvenile and adult (criminal) law; projects future impact of the court.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. The goal of this course is to help you develop a more thorough understanding and awareness in the following areas:
    1. History and treatment of persons under age 18.
    2. Law dealing with children and youth:

      a.constitutional law

    3. criminal law and procedure
    4. juvenile justice law and procedure

      (1) delinquency (2) abuse and neglect (3) status offenses d.family law

      (1) custody (2) support (3) termination of parental rights

  2. A second major goal is to increase your skills in reading and

    briefing law cases.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Juvenile Justice System, Law and Process by Dr. Mary Clement. Available at:

EQUALITY OF EDUCATION:

For any students having a disability of any kind which requires accommodation, I am willing to make reasonable accommodations in instruction and/or testing. Please let me know of your needs by the first week of February.

CLASS ATTITUDE:

  1. Class participation is important. Each student is expected to contribute in a positive way through questions, observations and discussion to the classroom learning experience on a continuing basis. Yet, the classroom is not a public forum so students will be limited to time, place and manner. I do not expect people to agree with all the research or the opinions of the legal decisions. However, I do expect your cooperation to make this an environment that promotes a willingness to learn, an climate for sharing differences of opinions and respect for others.
  2. I will adhere to an absence policy wherein four (for the day students) and two (for the evening students) unexcused absences can result in a failure or automatic withdrawal.
  3. Materials written for this class are to be the original work of the student. The student is to report and document accurately and appropriately. I adhere and support the University's honesty, integrity and plagiarism policy. Please see attachment.

GRADES:

This course includes several types of learning experiences. All questions for the written examinations will be taken from the class lectures, discussions, guest speakers, movies and assigned readings. Objective questions and essay questions will be used. You will have a mock sample test given in one of your classes before the real first exam. The experience of a mock exam will give you greater certainty on how to study.

  1. Written Examinations
    1. Midterm 100 pts.
    2. Final 100 pts
  2. Written assignments
    1. Three law briefs @10pts each 30 pts.

      from the law cases in the book

    2. Three law briefs @10pts each 30 pts.

      which you choose.

  3. Experimental learning 30 pts
    Total 290 pts.

Grades are awarded on the following points: 

               A= 290-261 pts.
               B= 260-232 pts.
               C= 231-203 pts.
               D= Opps!

DISCLAIMER:

This course both in the written materials and class lecture will discuss sensitive materials as it relates to children. Be aware that some very inhumane things are done to children. If any of this material upsets you, please talk with me after class.

COURSE OUTLINE (TENTATIVE PLAN OF ACTION)

WEEK TOPIC METHOD READING 

1    Introduction                                       Text, ch.1
     First Assignment:  
     1. legal brief                                  HOW TO BRIEF
     (See Attachment C for directions and model.  Your first case
     will be assigned from Chap. 1.)

2    History of Juvenile Treatment                           Text, ch. 1
                                                             Video-tape
                                                           Library tour

3    Landmark cases                                  DebatesText, ch.1
     All students are to read all four cases and then chose to
     present the majority and minority opinions in the form of a
     debate. We may call this a mock "Supreme Court."

4 Definitions

Developmental Stages of Children Text, ch. 2

5 Search, Seizure, Interroga- Guest Speaker Text, ch. 3

tion, and Investigation

6-7 Process for Criminal Youth Videotapes Text, ch. 4 Waiver/Death Penalty

8 MIDTERM EXAM MARCH 7 (DAY STUDENTS) MARCH 8 (EVENING)

9 Child Abuse and Neglect Slide Show Text, ch. 5

10 Sexual Abuse VideotapeText, ch. 5

11 Alcoholic Families Guest Speaker

12 Crimes Against Children Text, ch. 6 

13   Child Custody, Support           Lecture     Text, ch. 7
                                     Videotape:Parental Kidnapping
  
14   Termination of Parental         Mock Trial   Text, ch. 7
     Rights

15 Final Week 

     May 2 Last day for the day students
     May 3 Last evening for the evening students

     DAY STUDENTS:  FINAL, MAY 9 AT 9:00 A.M.
     EVENING STUDENTS:  FINAL, MAY 10 AT 4:00 P.M.