Course Description
In this course students will study the evolution legal theory and law as related to juveniles. Students will explore the rights of juveniles both in court settings and non-court settings. Students will examine the nuances and jurisdiction of the juvenile court system, the rights of the children in the system, the types of investigations, hearings and procedures that occur in juvenile matters. Students will focus on issues of delinquency, status offenses, abuse, neglect and dependency paying special attention to the roles of prosecutors, guardians ad litem, attorneys for the minor child and defense counsel. Students will also learn about education law as it impacts all students. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the history and unique philosophy behind juvenile law.
- Compare the constitutional rights of juveniles with those of adults in court and non-court settlings.
- Evaluate the similarities and differences of each type of juvenile court proceeding.
- Analyze issues affecting an intake interview with a juvenile client and analyze key legal issues arising from the representation of juveniles.
- Analyze issues unique to juvenile crime and delinquency court.
- Evaluate the evolution of our child protection system and describe the terminology and processes of child protection court.
- Identify legal issues arising from petitions filed for abuse or neglect.
- Explain the parts and process of an Expulsion Hearing.
- Evaluate the key parts of IDEA 2004.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze legal issues related to juvenile law through writing proficiencies appropriate to the college level.
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Quizzes (Weeks 2, 4 & 6) | 25% |
Midterm Project (Week 4) | 25% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Curry, Lynne. (2007). The Deshaney Case. University Press of Kansas. ISBN-13: 978-0-7006-1497-4
- Gardner, Martin R. (2018). Understanding Series: Understanding Juvenile Law. 5th ed. ISBN-13: 9781531005719
- Wright, Peter. (2007). Wrightslaw: Special Education Law. 2nd ed. Harbor House. ISBN-13: 978-1-892320-16-2
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,2 | Topic: Introduction to Juvenile Law
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2 | 1,2 | Topics: Private Law Issues Outside the Family & Constitutional Rights
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3 | 1,3,4,5,11 | Topics: Delinquency – History, Jurisdiction and Pre-Adjudication
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4 | 1,3,4,5,11,12 | Topics: Delinquency – Adjudication, Disposition and Future of the System
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5 | 1,6,7,8 | Topics: The Child and the Family - child abuse, neglect and custody issues
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6 | 1,6,7 | Topics: Protective Services – State Limitations and Services
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7 | 1,9,10,11 | Topics: Education Law – IDEA 2004 and Special Education Issues
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8
| 1,9,10,11 | Topic: Education Law – School Expulsion Hearings
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Final Exam | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.