What is Criminal Law?

What makes an action a crime? What are the parts of a crime? How did crimes start out in the past, and how do they look now? All of these questions will be answered in this ongoing class.

We will look at one or two crimes each class, and we will breakdown the elements of the crime (elements are what prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to put someone in jail or prison), and we will apply those crimes to fact patterns (story problems in law). If we have time, we will look at the different state laws applying to the same crime.

With this class, you can join at any time to learn about whatever topic is being offered - no previous knowledge will be necessary, and you do not need to have attended previous classes.

Parents are encouraged to go through the topics being offered for this class because not all topics will be suited for all learners. Criminal Law can touch on mature themes, and you can send me a message at any time if you have questions on any of the offerings.

If you have taken any of my other Criminal Law Summer Camps or Winter Camps, there will be a lot of overlap in topics with this class.

Students will learn to think at a deeper level while also learning to read and pick out the important details.

While the classes are subject to change based on input from students and current events, here is the general guideline for this class:

Fall 2024 Schedule (subject to change):

Week of August 18 - 24: What is a Crime? The Actus Reus (Voluntary Act)
Week of August 25 - 31: What is a Crime? The Mens Rea (The Criminal Mental State)
Week of September 1 - 7: Crimes of Omission (Failure to Act)
Week of September 8 - 14: Homicide - First Degree Murder
Week of September 15 - 21: Homicide - Second Degree Murder
Week of September 22 - 28: - Homicide - Felony Murder
Week of September 29 to October  5: Homicide - Voluntary Manslaughter
Week of October 6 - 12: Homicide - Involuntary Manslaughter (Criminal Negligence)
Week of October 13 - 19: Assault and Battery 
Week of October 20 - 26: Larceny (Stealing)
Week of October 27 - November 2: Embezzlement and Receipt of Stolen Property
Week of November 3 -9: Burglary and Robbery
Week of November 10 -16: Criminal Defenses: Insanity
Week of November 17 -23: Criminal Defenses: Duress and Necessity
Week of November 24 -30:  Criminal Defenses: Self-Defense and Defense of Others
Week of December 1 - 7:  Criminal Defenses: Defense of Property and Consent
Week of December 8 - 14: Kidnapping and Stalking
Week of December 15 - 21: Extortion and Arson


If there is great interest in this class, I will add other crimes to the list to explore.

I look forward to going on this educational journey with you!