Walker & Hemmens: Legal Guide for Police (10th ed.)
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
This chapter features a brief overview of the criminal procedures inherent in the American judicial
system. Criminal procedure is fashioned through an interplay between legislature and the American
court system. This chapter provides an introduction into how this interplay effects police officers.
Key Concepts
• An understanding of how the Constitution and Bill of Rights affects the individual American
• An understanding of the Due Process Model.
Key Terms
• Bill of Rights
• Barron v. Baltimore
• Crime Control Model
1. Statutes are often written ambiguously. Courts then face the responsibility of clarifying and
defining these statutes. Should legislatures create more defined statutes and limit the judicial
interpretation? Or should the courts continue defining how statutes and process work?
Guidelines: Where should the power of lawmaking reside? Should the courts decide how
2. Historically, the Supreme Court showed little concern with police activities. This changed
during the 20th century. Should the Supreme Court define how officers “do their job”? Or
should the courts let the police decide the best methods to complete their tasks?
3. Herbert Packer has identified two models for the criminal justice system: Crime Control and
Due Process. Which do you think is best? And why?
Discussion Points
• Should the Courts have the ability to interpret statutes?
• Should the Courts supervise how police officers do their job?
• Should a criminal justice system just focus on one model?
Syllabus
Presented in a 12–week format with two sessions per week. Midterms and Finals can be added as
necessary.
Week 1:
Week 2:
Chapter 2: The Exclusionary Rule, The Fourth Amendment
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Chapter 5: Arrests with Warrant
Week 7:
Chapter 6: Procedure for Securing Warrants
Week 8:
Week 9
Chapter 7: Warrantless Searches, Exceptions to the Rule
Week 10:
Chapter 7: Exigent Circumstances, Inventory Searches
Week 11:
Chapter 8: Miranda Doctrine, Fruit of the Poisonous Tree
Week 12: