Course Syllabus

S Y L L A B U S
Criminal Law
CJUS-P 370
Spring Semester 2026 
(Updated October 30, 2025)


Steve Presson
Adjunct Instructor
346 Sycamore Hall
smpresso@iu.edu


Class meets on Thursdays, 12:45 – 3:15 p.m., GA 1134

     This class is an undergraduate study of substantive criminal law – crimes, defenses, and punishments. We will start with the origin and purposes of criminal laws and punishments, limitations on the federal and state governments to enact criminal laws, and the general act and intent elements of criminal offenses. Then we'll study the main common law crimes, punishments, and defenses, and then review the evolution of these crimes to the enactment of modern criminal laws.

     COURSE SCHEDULE (CHECK EVERY WEEK FOR REVISIONS)

Class No.

Date

      Content

1

January 15

Origin, Nature, Purpose, Function, and Constitutional Limitations of Criminal Law   (Lippman, Chapters 1 & 2)

 

January 18

Last day to drop a course without a grade of W

2

January 22

Punishment and Sentencing   (Lippman, Chapter 3)

3

January 29

Actus Reus    (Lippman, Chapter 4)

4

February 5

Mens Rea, Concurrence and Causation   (Lippman, Chapter 5)

5

February 12

EXAM #1 – 60 multiple choice questions on classes 1-4

6

February 19

Parties and Vicarious Liability   (Lippman, Chapter 6.)

7

February 26

Attempts, Conspiracy, Solicitation   (Lippman, Chapter 7)

8

March 5

Justifications, Excuses    (Lippman, Chapters 8 & 9)

9

March 12

Homicide    (Lippman, Chapter 10)

 

March 15

Last day to drop a course with an automatic W

Spring Break Begins

 

March 19

Spring Break – No Class

10

March 26

Crimes Against Persons (non-homicide)   (Lippman, Chapter 11)

11

April 2

EXAM #2 – 60 multiple choice questions on classes 6-10

12

April 9

Crimes Against Property     (Lippman, Chapters 12 & 13)

13

April 16

White Collar Crimes     (Lippman, Chapter 14)

14

April 23

Crimes Against Public Order and Morality; Crimes Against the State     (Lippman, Chapters 15 & 16.)

15

April 30

 

EXAM #3 – 60 multiple choice questions on classes 12-14

 

     Textbook

     Required text:  Lippman, M., Contemporary Criminal Law – Concepts, Cases, and Controversies, 6th ed. 2019, Vantage Edition, SAGE Publishing.  This text is an IU etext book (a digital book). The etext is automatically available to all students in the course and its cost is billed to students’ bursar’s accounts. Students will access the textbook through the Sage Vantage portal. You must register with Vantage to obtain access. 

     Vantage Registration
     Students must use their university email address to access Vantage, using the link in Canvas when registering, for immediate access and seamless grade flow. While registering, do not opt out of Inclusive Access. Doing so will cause the loss of access to Vantage text and course materials and the student will be unable to read or complete assignments. If that happens, students will need to purchase Vantage access on their own at regular price and rejoin the Vantage course to resume work. The registration code for Sage Vantage is PRESSO-9232.

     Vantage Registration Help

     Within the Sage Vantage module, follow step-by-step registration directions or watch a video tutorial to join your Vantage course. For additional video tutorials, visit the SAGE Vantage Support channel on YouTube.
     SAGE Vantage Technical Support: (833) 591–2849.
          Hours:
          •    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET
          •    Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET
          •    Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET

COURSE ATTENDANCE & ABSENCES

          Attendance is required. There are just 12 lectures. However, students who are ill, experiencing symptoms of Covid, or having recent exposure to a Covid-positive person, should not attend class. Discretionary grading adjustments are informed by the attendance record, including lowering of a final grade because of poor attendance.

            There are NO excused or unexcused absences. An absence is an absence. A student may miss up to 2 classes or portions of class without a grade penalty (other than, of course, a poor grade on an exam due to absences). However, on the third absence, no discretionary grade curves will be applied to exam scores. The student’s raw score will be what is used for final grade purposes. Habitual absences, as determined at my discretion, may be a basis for lowing the course grade,

           Students should save their 2 penalty-free absences for illnesses, family emergencies, or appointment conflicts. Statistically, it will be highly unlikely that illnesses would keep someone from three classes in a 15-week period. 

      According to guidance from the Dean of Students, if you miss more than 20% of the semester (approximately 2½ classes) for medical or personal reasons, it may be best to consider withdrawing from all courses until you are able to return and focus on your academic goals.

        If you are experiencing challenges with attendance, contact the Student Care and Resource Center (Indiana Memorial Union, lobby level next to Biddle Hotel Lobby); which can provide attendance memos in the event of hospitalization, or the death of an immediate family member.

       If you need accommodations due to temporary impairments, including, but not limited to, broken bones, sprains, concussions, and appendicitis,” contact Accessible Educational Services.

           Reporting Attendance

           Attendance is recorded by self-reporting through Top Hat.  Please register in Top Hat for this course prior to our first class. The Top Hat registration code is 284612. Attendance may also be verified by in-class quizzes and exams. A class-specific attendance code will be provided in the classroom during each class. The code must not be shared with students who are not physically present in the classroom.

          Grading            

     The three scheduled exams are open book and open notes. The answers on the exams must be your own and not taken from other students, study groups, or internet searches. The use of artificial intelligence platforms, Chatbots, Google, ChatGPT, and like sources is not allowed during the exams. Open book and open notes means you will be using your computers to take the exam. You may access only the textbook and your notes. The use of any search engines, databases, email, texting, messaging, or AI is not allowed.

     Exam Make-Up Policy

     In the event an exam needs to be taken after its first administration (make-up exams), the make-up may be in an essay and/or short answer and fill-in-the-blank form. Make-ups for exams #1 and #2 must be completed before the next class. Make-ups for the last exam must be taken at least one day before course grades are due to the Registrar. A failure to timely make-up the last exam may result in an "Incomplete" being reported to the Registrar with finalization of the course grade occurring during the next semester. A student missing the last exam must be academically eligible to receive an "Incomplete" grade. Otherwise, the final course grade will be determined using a zero score for the third exam. 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

     As a student at IU, you are expected to adhere to the standards contained in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (Links to an external site.) te. (the Code). Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution. Academic integrity violations include: cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty. When you submit an assignment with your name on it, you are signifying that the work contained therein is yours, unless otherwise cited or referenced. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged. In addition, posting questions from quizzes/exams or assignments or downloading answers from online sources is considered academic misconduct. All suspected violations of the Code will be reported to the Dean of Students (Office of Student Conduct) and handled according to University policies. Sanctions for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on the assignment, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. If you are unsure about the expectations for completing an assignment or taking a test or exam, be sure to seek clarification from your instructor in advance.

     According to the Code cheating includes “using, providing, or attempting to use or provide unauthorized assistance, materials, information, or study aids in any form.” (Code, II: Responsibilities B,4,a). Cheating includes the use of artificial intelligence. You must not use generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Dall-E, Grammarly, QuillBot, and SpinBot for any work for this class without permission of the instructor. Unauthorized use of generative AI in this course will constitute academic misconduct; there will be an academic sanction, and the incident will be reported.

     Note Selling: Various commercial services have approached students regarding selling class notes/study guides to their classmates. Selling the instructor’s notes/study guides or uploading course assignments to these sites in exchange for access to materials for other courses is not permitted. Violations of this policy will be reported to the Dean of Students (Office of Student Conduct) as academic misconduct (violation of course rules). Sanctions for academic misconduct for this action may include a failing grade on the assignment for which the notes/study guides or assignments are being uploaded, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. Additionally, you should know that selling a faculty member’s notes/study guides individually or on behalf of one of these services using IU email, or via Canvas may also constitute a violation of IU information technology and IU intellectual property policies; additional consequences may result.

     Course Materials: The instructor teaching this course holds the exclusive right under United States copyright laws to distribute, modify, post, and reproduce course materials, including all written materials, study guides, lectures, assignments, exercises, and exams, whether in digital or non-digital form. Some of the course content may be downloadable, but you should not distribute, post, or alter the instructor’s intellectual property. While you are permitted to take notes on the online materials and lectures posted for this course for your personal use, you are not permitted to re-post in another forum, distribute, or reproduce content from this course without the express written permission of the instructor.

     No part of this course, including but not limited to, audio and/or visual recordings of class sessions, electronic material presented in class, or anything posted on the course Canvas site, Top Hat site, or Sage Vantage site shall be reproduced, published, or linked for access by any person not enrolled in the course during the Fall Semester 2025. Doing so may violate federal and state criminal laws and will cause legal action to be taken in addition to any sanctions or actions taken by IU.

     Course Materials Loaded in Canvas:

     The instructor teaching this course holds the exclusive right to distribute, modify, post, and reproduce course materials, including all written materials, study guides, lectures, assignments, exercises, and exams. Some of the course content may be downloadable, but you should not distribute, post, or alter the instructor’s intellectual property. While you are permitted to take notes on the online materials and lectures posted for this course for your personal use, you are not permitted to re-post in another forum, distribute, or reproduce content from this course without the express written permission of the instructor. The receipt and/or possession of course materials from a class prior to the one you are enrolled in may result in academic discipline.

BIAS INCIDENT REPORTING

     Bias-based incident reports can be made by students, faculty, and staff. Any act of discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability can be reported by (1) filling out an online report at https://reportincident.iu.edu, or (2) calling the Dean of Students Office at (812) 855-8187. Reports can be made anonymously at https://reportincident.iu.edu. Please note that incidents involving faculty and staff should be reported to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.

FERPA

      The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of your education records. You may authorize a third party to access your education record by adding a release at https://ferpareleases.indiana.edu. Adding a release for a specific individual will generate a PIN that is sent to the student’s IU email and will direct the student to share the PIN with the authorized third party.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

     The Student Care and Resource Center supports students experiencing challenges that impact their ability to be safe, healthy, and successful. You can walk in, call, email, submit a Care Referral or make an appointment through the Student Appointment Scheduler to connect with the Care Team.

Student Care and Resource Center

Indiana Memorial Union, L010

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 812-856-CARE (2273) // Email: iucare@iu.edu 

     Mental Health Support: If you or someone you know needs assistance, you are encouraged to contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 812-855-5711 or by visiting their webpage. They will help you navigate any difficult circumstances you may be facing by connecting you with the appropriate resources or services.

     Counseling and Psychological Services

              IU Student Health Center, Fourth Floor
              Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

              Phone: 812-855-5711 (choose option 1 after-hours)

TimelyCare: Free 24/7 virtual mental health support is available to students who are enrolled in at least one course through the TimelyCARE platform or through your Canvas portal. You do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services.

Pregnancy:  IU is dedicated to supporting students who are pregnant or have experienced other conditions related to pregnancy (termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, lactation, or related medical conditions). To register for accommodations due to pregnancy or a related medical condition, please contact Accessible Educational Services.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

Instructors must reasonably accommodate students who want to observe their religious holidays at times when academic requirements conflict with those observances. If you will miss class for a religious observance, you must fill out the Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances form at least two weeks before your anticipated absence.

Sexual Misconduct And Title IX

     IU policy prohibits sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, and dating and domestic violence. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help. If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with the IU Sexual Assault Crisis Services at (812) 855-8900 or contact a Confidential Victim Advocate at (812) 856-2469 or cva@iu.edu.

      It is also important that you know that University policy requires that I share certain information brought to my attention about potential sexual misconduct with the campus Deputy Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Coordinator or the University Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Coordinator. In that event, those individuals will work to ensure that appropriate measures are taken, and resources are made available. Protecting student privacy is of the utmost concern, and information will only be shared with those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist. I encourage you to visit http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/index.html to learn more.         

STUDENT RESOURCES

Library Research Assistance: IU Libraries offers one-on-one consultations with students who need assistance with library research.

Student Advocates: Retired IU faculty and staff members assist students with resolving academic, financial, and conduct-related issues.

Technology-related resources provided by the university include:

  • Free on-campus wireless internet (wifi) access through the “eduroam” network
  • Free in-person tech support in the Wells Library

 Tutoring Resources: There are many free and paid tutoring resources on campus that are available to students.

 Writing Tutorial Services: Offers free one-on-one writing help from a trained tutor. 

 Course Accessibility

     Indiana University is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities (e.g., chronic health, neurodevelopmental, neurological, sensory, psychological, and emotional, including mental health, etc.) have the support services and reasonable accessibility measures (accommodations) needed to provide equal access to academic programs. You must establish your eligibility for support services through Accessible Educational Services (AES). Note that services are confidential, may take time to put into place, and are not retroactive; citations and alternate media for print materials may take three or more weeks to produce. Contact Accessible Educational Services as soon as possible to register for services. The office is located on the basement floor of Eigenmann Hall in Room 001 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.