This class is the same as the individual sections offered on Outschool Self-paced platform; It's just a bundled version with a cheaper cost for all four individual sections.

For each lesson, I will provide a discussion outline that has mini-case studies on it that will help students work through these concepts. I will accompany the discussion outline with a powerpoint presentation. There will be brief points where I teach on concepts, but students will be expected to pause the video, try out the fact patterns (story problems), then listen to my explanations.

These summaries are the same as the four individual sections as well:

Section 1: What is a Crime?

What is a crime? We will look at the underlying elements that make up a crime: Actus Reus, Mens Rea, Concurrence, and Causation. Almost every crime is made up of these four elements. We will get a concrete understanding of what each of those four parts are, and we will explore other factors in crimes that will increase our understanding of the topic.

Section 2: Crimes Committed Against People

What is the difference between first and second degree murder? What is felony murder? What role does the "heat of passion" play in voluntary manslaughter? We will explore all of this and more in an interactive and exciting way. We will be studying the common law version of these crimes as they may be different in every state or country (which we will also explore).

Section 3: Crimes of Theft and Destruction

What is the difference between larceny (and what is larceny?) and embezzlement? 

Can you be charged with Receipt of Stolen Property if you didn't know it was stolen? 

Has the crime of burglary changed drastically over the centuries? (Yes!)

We will explore all of this and more in an interactive and exciting way. We will be studying the common law version of these crimes as they may be different in every state or country (which we will also explore).

Section 4: Criminal Defenses

What is a criminal defense? A criminal defense is used when you have committed a crime, but you have a reason that you are either not responsible for your actions (insanity, intoxication, etc.) or you have a justification or excuse for your actions (self-defense, defense of others, consent, etc.). 

Many people believe that if you claim insanity as a defense, you can go free. But is that what really happens? That's just one of the things you will learn in this class.