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Academics

Spring 2009
Law No.: LAW3660
Sched. No.: 401ca
Federal Criminal Law
Section 0001
X
Smith, Stephen F



Administrative Information:

Days, Times (Room):MTW, 1300-1400 (SL 258)
Credits:3Type:Lecture
Capacity:64 **This information is current as of 08/28/2008 03:31:28 PM**
Current Enrollment:50 **This information is current as of 08/28/2008 03:31:28 PM**

Course Description:

This course explores the scope and structure of federal crimes. Though based on the same sources, federal crimes are different in important respects from the much larger body of state criminal law. The course will focus on four topics: (1) the jurisdiction of the federal government over crime, including constitutional limitations; (2) the emerging law of federal mens rea; (3) four crimes that illustrate the enormous reach of the federal criminal law (the Mann Act, mail fraud, the Hobbs Act, and the Travel Act); and (4) RICO, the most important organized crime statute in history, which unlike most crimes has civil applications. Other important federal crimes will be covered as well, time permitting. The course will also examine the controversial U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Throughout, broader policy questions, such as federal enforcement policies and the merits of the federalization of crime, will be emphasized.

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Examination