Law Schedule of Classes

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230.2 sec. 001 - Police Interrogations and Investigations: A Comparative Perspective (Fall 2023)

Instructor: Charles D Weisselberg  (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only | profile)
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Units: 2
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person

Meeting:

Tu 3:35 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: Law 145
From August 24, 2023
To November 30, 2023

Course Start: August 24, 2023
Course End: November 30, 2023
Class Number: 32178

Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 19
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 22
As of: 02/07 02:03 PM


The early stages of criminal investigations are often outcome-determinative, and this is true across nations, societies, and types of criminal legal systems. This course takes a comparative approach to the early stages of criminal investigations with a particular emphasis on investigations and interrogations by police and prosecutors. The seminar will cover some aspects of U.S. law and practice. But we will spend more time examining developments in other nations and systems.

We will begin with the context for criminal legal reforms, discussing the structure and function of governmental institutions, such as police, courts, prosecution and defense; regulation of police investigations; interrogation theory and practice; rates of crime; and various nations’ criminal legal priorities. This is a very interesting time to take a comparative approach. A number of countries in Latin America have moved from record-based forms of adjudication to oral trials. Japan adopted a lay judge system for certain serious cases, and is recording most interrogations. These reforms in the adjudicative process influence how investigations are conducted and evidence is collected. Decisions from the European Court of Human Rights, and directives from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, are prompting changes in nations’ laws and investigative procedures in much of Europe. Criminal justice systems provide a lens through which to examine various nations’ values, cultures, and institutions.

A 12-18 page paper is required. First drafts of the paper are due October 16, and the final papers will be due December 7. Prior enrollment in Criminal Procedure-Investigations is suggested, but not required. Students with knowledge, experience or interest in other systems (including LL.M. students) are encouraged to enroll.

Requirements Satisfaction:


This is an Option 1 class; two Option 1 classes fulfill the J.D. writing requirement.


Exam Notes: (P) Final paper  
Course Category: Criminal Law
This course is listed in the following sub-categories:
Social Justice and Public Interest

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