This 4-credit course considers legislative definitions of what conduct should be subject to criminal penalties, as well as statutory defenses to criminal liability. The course focuses on learning how to read statutes and the cases interpreting them. The course also considers the limitations of criminal law as a means for the prevention and control of undesirable conduct.

Students will be graded on three assignments of varying weight: one short paper, a legal memorandum (with revisions), and a four hour essay examination. Students will also be asked to observe several court proceedings throughout the semester.