PFD430 - Case Preparation and Delivery

Subject Title
Case Preparation and Delivery

Subject Description
This course introduces students to the process of preparing a court case and examines the critical importance of statements in the investigation and trial processes. The lawful practices and procedures for the admission of the statement by the trial court are examined through the study of contemporary statute and precedent law.  Currently accepted methods of identifying the person responsible for a crime are studied along with the role of suspect parades in the investigation process.  The course concludes with students preparing a unique crown brief and participating in a moot analysis of a selected criminal case. The concluding aspect of the course requires students to complete a critical analysis of their crown brief from the perspective of a crown attorney over the duration of the courtroom phase of the course.

Credit Status
This is a required course in the Police Foundations diploma.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.         Explain the trial process and roles of various court officials.
2.         Identify how to obtain admissible statements from accused persons and evidence which complies with case law decisions.
3.         Describe proper preparation of criminal information forms, search warrants and release documents.
4.         Discuss how to identify suspects in a manner acceptable to the courts, including conducting a suspect line-up, which complies with case law decisions.
5.         Generate a Crown Brief
6.         Testify effectively in a court situation while observing appropriate courtroom decorum.
7.         Participate in a moot court and written submission format as a Crown and a Defence Attorney using the student's Crown Brief. 

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.