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School of Criminology | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 2024

Legal Studies

Certificate

This certificate is primarily for individuals who are interested in working within the justice system and students who wish to focus their criminology undergraduate studies on courses that relate to the law and legal studies.

Units applied toward a certificate may not be applied toward any other Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma, but may be applied toward major program or minor program requirements, or toward a bachelor’s degree under the normal regulations governing those programs.

Program Declaration

Students are eligible to apply for entry to the legal studies certificate program if

  • they have been admitted to Simon Fraser University (or are in the process of being admitted); and
  • they have completed and received grades for ONE of the following courses, with a final grade of C- or better

CRIM 332 - Sociology of Law (3)

Introduction to the theory of sociology of law. Law and social structure. Law as a product of a social system and as an instrument of social change. Social functions of the law. Relationship between law and the structure and function of various other social institutions. The process of law-making. Process by which various interests become translated into legal rules. The social reality of the law; the law in action. Social sciences findings into the operation and practice of the law. Critical and feminist perspectives on law. Public knowledge, awareness, opinions and attitudes to the law, sanctions and the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 135.

CRIM 335 - Human Rights and Civil Liberties (3)

A study of the relationship between the government and the individual. Focus upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by the judiciary. Examination of the issues of equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of expression. A study of human rights at the international, federal and provincial levels. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 135.

CRIM 338 - Philosophy of Law (3)

Introduction to the philosophy of law. Concepts of law, constitution and sovereignty. The nature and sources of the law. Examination of natural law, legal positivism, Kelsen's pure theory of law, legal realism, modern normative and analytical theories, critical legal theory and feminist theory. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 135.

Admission, Program Declaration, and Continuation

Applicants must meet university undergraduate admission deadlines as shown in this Calendar. Application forms and official documents must be submitted to Student Services. In addition to applying for University admission, students apply in writing to the School of Criminology's advisor for certificate program declaration.

To continue in the program, students must maintain a 2.25 cumulative grade point average (CGPA)*. Students whose CGPA falls below 2.25 cannot enroll in any upper division CRIM courses.

*transfer students who meet the criminology program declaration requirements upon admission to SFU may use their admission CGPA for declaration purposes

Program Requirements

Students complete a total of six courses (18 units), including all of

CRIM 332 - Sociology of Law (3)

Introduction to the theory of sociology of law. Law and social structure. Law as a product of a social system and as an instrument of social change. Social functions of the law. Relationship between law and the structure and function of various other social institutions. The process of law-making. Process by which various interests become translated into legal rules. The social reality of the law; the law in action. Social sciences findings into the operation and practice of the law. Critical and feminist perspectives on law. Public knowledge, awareness, opinions and attitudes to the law, sanctions and the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 135.

CRIM 335 - Human Rights and Civil Liberties (3)

A study of the relationship between the government and the individual. Focus upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by the judiciary. Examination of the issues of equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of expression. A study of human rights at the international, federal and provincial levels. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 135.

CRIM 338 - Philosophy of Law (3)

Introduction to the philosophy of law. Concepts of law, constitution and sovereignty. The nature and sources of the law. Examination of natural law, legal positivism, Kelsen's pure theory of law, legal realism, modern normative and analytical theories, critical legal theory and feminist theory. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 135.

and three courses chosen from

BUS 393 - Commercial Law (3)

Common law, equity, and statute law; contracts, agency, and negotiable instruments; partnership and corporation law; international commercial law. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shafik Bhalloo
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Jordan Jutras
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D204 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
E100 Robin Elliott
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 310 - Young Offenders and Criminal Justice: Advanced Topics (3)

Examines some of the more complex contemporary issues relating to young offenders and justice. For any given term, the content of the course will reflect current controversies as well as faculty and student interests. Topics may include social control theory and juvenile justice; an assessment of theories of rehabilitation; the legal philosophy of the young offenders legislation and its impact on juvenile justice; and an evaluation of diversion, deinstitutionalization and de-legalization in Canada and the United States. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 210.

CRIM 314 - Mental Disorder, Criminality and the Law (3)

Critical examination of the impact of psychiatry and related clinical professions on the criminal justice system. Relationship between institutions of mental health and legal control. The relevance of psychiatric theory and decision-making for the processing of mentally disordered offenders. The role of forensic clinicians in the courts, prisons, mental hospitals and related agencies. Specific issues addressed in this course will include psychiatric assessment, criminal responsibility, fitness to stand trial, prediction of dangerousness, treatment of mentally ill criminals and the penal and therapeutic commitment of the insane. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Recommended: CRIM 131.

CRIM 317 - Sex, Work, and the Law (3)

Examines the history of commercial sex in Canada, the related laws and their impacts; research on the breadth of the commercial sex industry, sex sellers, sex buyers, and third parties; theories about commercial sex involvement and its role in society; legal approaches to addressing commercial sex in other countries; current legal framework, including jurisprudence, relevant Criminal, Immigration, and municipal law. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Students with credit for CRIM 313 (Specific Types of Crime) prior to Summer 2007 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Tamara O'Doherty
Online
CRIM 330 - Criminal Procedure and Evidence (3)

Critical examination of selected topics in criminal procedure and evidence, including jurisdiction, police powers of search and seizure, the right to counsel and pre-trial and trial procedures. Brief survey of the system of rules and standards by means of which the admissibility of evidence is determined. Close examination of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its impact on criminal procedure and evidence. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 230.

CRIM 331 - Advanced Criminal Law (3)

An extension of CRIM 230, this course will examine Canadian criminal law in greater depth as well as in comparison with other jurisdictions. Each term several substantive areas will be analysed closely. The areas to be examined will be determined by student interest but may include sexual offences, public order offences, mental disorder and the criminal process, property offences, etc. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 230.

CRIM 416 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Frank
TBD
CRIM 417 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.

CRIM 418 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.

CRIM 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3)

An examination of how relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations", or FNST 429 may not take this course for further credit.

or INDG 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3)

An examination of how relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of instructor. Students with credit for FNST 429, CRIM 429, or under CRIM 416 or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations" may not take this course for further credit.

CRIM 432 - Gender in the Courts and the Legal Profession (3)

The gendered nature of law will be addressed through an examination of its underlying factual assumptions, and the use of social science research as evidence in equality litigation. The use of the charter, human rights legislation, and other legal means to achieve gender equality through the legal system in the areas of work, employment and pay equity, and compensatory schemes for personal injuries will also be examined. This course will also examine women's struggles to gain admittance to the legal profession, and the barriers which may still prevent them from participating equally in the profession today. Prerequisite: CRIM 330.

CRIM 437 - Crime and Misconduct in the Professions (3)

Examines the use of self regulation by professional organizations (e.g. law societies, colleges of physicians and surgeons) and the increasing demand by other occupational groups and social and economic entities to be governed by these internal controls in addition to, or in lieu of, the criminal and other state law. It will specifically examine how the criminal law is used in the context of self-regulation and how professionals can bypass the criminal law through self-regulating organizations. The professions will be examined in the context of administrative, civil and criminal law. Implications for self regulation in other areas and the future of self-regulation will also be considered. Prerequisite: Recommended: CRIM 330.

CRIM 438 - Wrongful Convictions and Other Miscarriages of Justice (3)

Examines the issues of wrongful convictions and other miscarriages of justice. Considers the major factors that contribute to wrongful convictions despite the safeguards built into the system, and ways to prevent or reduce their number. Prerequisite: CRIM 330 is recommended. Students with credit for CRIM 417 under this title (Fall 2007 or Fall 2008) may not take this course for further credit.

ECON 427W - Industrial Organization: Law and Economics (3)

An in depth examination of the application of economic reasoning to the law. The course considers how legal relationships influence behavior and how economic models can explain the structure of the law. A selected number of topics will be covered, and may include the economic approach to common law; property rights; contracts; torts; criminal behavior; family law; and corporate bankruptcy law. Prerequisite: ECON 201 and ECON (or BUEC) 333 or ECON 302, all with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for BUEC 427 or BUEC 495 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

EDUC 445 - Legal Context of Teaching (4)

Designed to provide education students, teachers, counsellors and school administrators with a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues and potential legal liabilities encountered in the BC public school system. Special attention is devoted to the legal dimensions and consequences of routine classroom and administrative activity. Topics include: sexual abuse by school board employees; negligence and supervision; private lifestyles and community standards; discipline and corporal punishment; sexual harassment in the workplace; responsibility for curriculum fulfillment; liability outside school hours; and the AIDS controversy. Prerequisite: 60 units.

EDUC 446 - Law for the Classroom Teacher (4)

Provides a fundamental knowledge of law to teach law-related content in the BC curriculum: social studies, science, personal planning, language arts, P.E., social responsibility, and business. Topics: Canadian legal system, legal history, legal reasoning, dispute resolution strategies, the role of the courts, and family, environmental, property and contract laws. Prerequisite: 60 units.

EDUC 448 - Teaching about Justice, Law and Citizenship (4)

The justification and practise of law-related education in the K-12 curriculum are the subjects of this methodology course. Students will examine the place of law in the curriculum, existing resources and appropriate teaching strategies and will have the opportunity to develop unit plans and curriculum materials. Emphasis is on developing and implementing law-related programs in the classroom. Prerequisite: 60 units including six in education courses. Teaching experience is recommended.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Sessional
Online
GEOG 440 - Property, Land, Society (4)

An examination of property, particularly in relation to land, with an emphasis on its social, political, and spatial dimensions. Prerequisite: 60 units, including eight of upper division geography. Students with credit for GEOG 440W may not take this course for further credit.

GSWS 411 - Special Topics in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (4) **

A specific theme within the field of gender, sexuality, and women's studies, not otherwise covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, will be dealt with as occasion and demand warrant. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units in GSWS.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Mathew Arthur
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4)

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including INDG (or FNST) 101, 201W and one other INDG (or FNST) course; or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 443W, HIST 443, or HIST 485 or HIST 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

or HIST 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4)

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 443, or HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

PHIL 320 - Social and Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of an issue or selection of issues in social and political philosophy. Contemporary or historical readings or a mixture of these will be used. Possible topics include: justice, the law and legal systems, sovereignty, power and authority, democracy, liberty and equality. Sometimes the course will focus on the views of historically important political philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, Mill and Marx. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

PHIL 321 - Topics in Moral Philosophy (3)

An advanced investigation of central issues and theories in moral philosophy. In any given term, the course may focus on a general theory or concept or concern, for example meta-ethics, utilitarianism, or theories of rights. Sometimes it will focus on a particular problem or problems, such as medical ethics, moral personhood, or free will and moral responsibility. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Michaela Lucas
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHIL 326 - Topics in Law and Philosophy (3)

Explores in detail classic problems in the law using the methods and resources of philosophy. Topics may include: problems in professional ethics facing lawyers; philosophical issues in international law and human rights; constitutional interpretation and the philosophy of language; the assessment of evidence and formal epistemology; the intellectual origins of the theory of natural law and natural rights; or others. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

PHIL 329 - Law and Justice (3)

Explores in detail the relationship between the law and theories of justice. Topics range over: the philosophy of punishment, theories of moral responsibility, charter equality rights, and theories of distributive justice. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W. Students with credit for PHIL 333 in Spring 2016 cannot take this course for further credit.

POL 324 - The Canadian Constitution (4)

An analysis of the Canadian constitution from a theoretical and comparative perspective. Amendment, entrenchment, civil rights. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Andrew Heard
TBD
B101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 344 - International Law (4)

Sovereignty, nationality, jurisdiction, arbitration. Examination of selected cases exemplifying present trends in the international legal order. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 346 - International Organization (4)

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 351 - Immigration, Integration, and Public Policy in Canada (4)

Explores the governance challenges related to immigration and integration in Canada using a public policy approach. The course deals with topics concerning immigrant selection (including immigration categories, temporary/permanent Immigration, intergovernmental agreements, etc.) and focuses on immigrant's integration into society (such as nation-building strategies, integration Indicators and discrimination). Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 359 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

POL 417 - Human Rights Theories (4)

This course introduces students to the problems involved in the assertion of universal moral standards across political and cultural divides. These issues will be explored at a theoretical level, and in the context of specific human rights controversies. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 459 - Selected Topics in Governance (4) *

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

PSYC 376 - Experimental Psychology and Law (3)

The roles of experimental developmental, cognitive, and social psychology in the understanding of behaviour and perceptions of individuals in legal contexts. Topics include eyewitness testimony, autobiographical memory, interviewing, deception detection, and juror decision-making. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W and PSYC 268. Recommended: PSYC 210.

PSYC 379 - Clinical Forensic Psychology (3)

Clinical approaches to the understanding of behaviour in criminal and civil forensic settings. Topics related to the assessment, treatment, and management of people suffering from mental disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 268. PSYC 241 is recommended.

PSYC 476 - Advanced Topics in Law and Forensic Psychology (4)

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 268, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

WL 303 - Global Culture and Its Discontents (4)

Explores the tendencies of globalization in the cultural realm, which while sparking cross-border communication, also tends to flatten identities into a coercive global norm. Focuses on writing in contexts of political oppression, digital communities, censorship, cultural displacement, terrorism and/or warfare. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

Additional relevant courses may be added to the list of optional courses as they become available. Students are responsible for satisfying the prerequisites for all required courses. Courses must be completed at Simon Fraser University unless permission of the undergraduate chair is granted upon admission to this program. See the school's academic advisor for further information.

* when offered as a legal studies topic

** when offered as the topic Women and the Law

Upper Division Course Access

Students with a minimum 2.25 CGPA are eligible to enroll in upper division criminology courses upon successful completion of 60 units and certificate declaration. Students pursuing the certificate independent of a degree program will be eligible to access these courses without completion of 60 units; in these cases, completion of lower division prerequisite courses may be required.

Graduation Requirements

Students must obtain a minimum grade of C- in all required courses. In addition to normal university grade point average requirements, the School of Criminology requires the following: for graduation, students must obtain a minimum 2.25 CGPA, 2.25 UDGPA, 2.25 criminology course CGPA (calculated on all CRIM courses completed at SFU), and 2.25 criminology course UDGPA (calculated on all upper division CRIM courses completed at SFU).