Philosophy of Crime and Punishment
SLN #: 16147Course Prefix: LAW-791
Course Section: 026
Credit Hours: 2
Instructor(s): Murphy
Course Books: View List of Books
Course Description:
The Philosophy of Crime and Punishment (2 credits). This seminar will explore such topics as the nature of punishment, the justification of punishment, the decision to criminalize, the role of personal blameworthiness in assigning punishment by statute or in sentencing decisions, the kind and amount of punishment, excuses and justifications, and possible alternatives to punishment. Readings will be from literature and philosophy and perhaps a few legal cases of philosophical interest. The seminar is an offering in what might be called "law and humanities" and will not be doctrinal in a traditional legal sense. I do not allow the use of laptop computers in my seminars (I want conversations with students, not dictations to stenographers) and expect all students to attend the first session ready to discuss the film that has been ordered through the bookstore and assigned for the first meeting.
Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 2
Grading Option: Letter Grade Only
Written Assignment: Seminar Paper
Graduation Writing Requirement: Yes, With Instructor's Approval*
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: Yes*
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Note: Only one of the above listed requirements can be fulfilled with this course.
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Prerequisite: None
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Limited Enrollment Number: 15
Final Exam Given: No
Paper Or In-Class Presentation: Seminar Paper
Participation Points: Yes
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies
Additional Attendance Policy: ATTENDANCE REQUIRED. CONSULT LAW SCHOOL POLICIES FOR PENALTIES FOR POOR ATTENDANCE.
* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.