CRJS 5825 01: Crim Procedures Constit Issues

CRJS 5825 - Criminal Procedures and Constitutional Issues

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41992,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Dr. Christopher Bellas

Distinguished Professor

Email: cmbellas@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Ph.D. Political Science, Kent State University
M.A. Political Science, Kent State University
M.S. Criminal Justice, Youngstown State University
B.A. Political Science, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
A.S. Business Administration, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Post Baccalaureate Certificate Paralegal Studies, Kent State University (Approved by the American Bar Association; 30 semester hours of law courses)

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

5825. Criminal Procedures and Constitutional Issues. Constitutional foundations of the American criminal justice process with special emphasis on recent Supreme Court decisions. Legal and practical applications of the laws of arrest, criminal procedure, search and seizure, court structures, and federal civil rights. Prereq.: CRJS 3719 and must be a criminal justice major or have permission of chairperson. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Criminal Procedure 5th Edition (2022) Mathew Lippman 978-1071879344

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Chapter 1 An Introduction to Criminal Procedure
The U.S. Constitution specifically the Bill of Rights
A review of the federal and state court system and criminal versus civil law.
Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
8/31 Chapter 2 Sources of Criminal Procedure A detailed discussion of the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
9/7 Chapter 3 Search and Seizures Searches of people, and places with a focus on technological advancements in tools utilized by law enforcement Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
9/14 Chapter 4 Stops and Frisks Detention of persons and searches of automobiles Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
9/21 Chapter 5 Probable Cause and Arrests Standards needed to make an arrest, enter a home and conduct searches Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
9/28 Review and Exam # 1 Exam 1 ( Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Students need to participate in a review and take exam # 1.
10/5 Chapter 6 Searches and Siezures of Property Types of searches and when a warrantless search can be conducted Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
10/12 Chapter 7 Inspections and Regulatory Searches Special types of searches Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
10/19 Chapter 8 Interrogations and Confessions Questioning suspects Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
10/26 Chapter 9 Eyewitness and Scientific Identifications Wrongful convictions and scientific evidence Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
11/2 EXAM 2 Review for Exam # 2 (chapters 6, 7, 8, 9) Students need to participate in the review and take Exam # 2
11/9 Ch 10 The Exclusionary Rule and Entrapment Deciding when critical evidence should be excluded at trial Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
11/16 Ch 11 Civil and Criminal Remedies for Constitutional Violations Law Enforcement Liability Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
11/23 Ch 15 Counterterrorism civil liberties and protecting our borders Read the assigned chapter. Be prepared to be called upon in class to brief cases within the textbook and/or any new cases assigned. Please attend class and participate.
11/30 Chapter 13 The Trial
* time permitting
Understanding the constitutional safeguards of defendants in the courtroom be prepared to answer questions and participate in the final exam review session
12/7 Finals week
Final Exam ( Chapters 10, 11, 15 and 13) students will take the Final Exam

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.