Students will learn about evidence as they use their deductive reasoning skills to solve a murder. They will also learn the different ways evidence is used at the investigative stage compared to the trial stage. For example, detectives commonly use hearsay evidence to lead their investigations. However, hearsay evidence is typically inadmissible at trial. Additionally, students will be introduced to elements of criminal laws: the act and requisite mental state must be satisfied. We will learn what these phrases mean and how to apply them to the case at hand. We will touch on what motive is and how it is used in investigations and at trial. 

The goal of this course is to have fun solving a murder while also learning the real-world processes involved in solving a murder. 

I am a law student that excelled in criminal law, evidence, and trial procedure. I also am a true crime enthusiast and spend a lot of time reading articles and watching documentaries on interesting cases. It has been an amazing experience to link my interest in true crime with the academic study of the law. Students that are aspiring lawyers, future agents, and true crime enthusiasts have enjoyed taking this class and learning about criminal law, from the act to the guilty verdict.