Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is designed to give a broad overview of federal constitutional, statutory and case law regarding Fourth Amendment rights for individuals suspected or accused of committing crimes. Students will be given an opportunity to judge the effectiveness and fairness of such law as it relates to police authority, society and the defendant. Oregon law specifically will be examined through the use of the Oregon Criminal Code, the Oregon Constitution and current case law.

This course is a requirement for the completion of a degree in the Criminal Justice Program at Portland Community College. Course work may include, but is not limited to, the use of texts, the Criminal Code of Oregon, journal articles, lecture, group discussion and activities, videos, guest speakers, fieldtrips, community volunteer work and student projects and presentations. 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Evaluate fact scenarios in order to determine the existence of reasonable suspicion, probable cause, privacy issues and whether a warrant exception applies.
2. Practice in a criminal justice field with knowledge of arrest statutes and related case law.
3. Conduct searches and seizures with an understanding of legal principles.

Assessment may include informal responses to study questions, class presentations, written tests, online tests, group discussion, in-class and out of class writing.

This course will address topics including, but not limited to: 

• Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
• Article 1", Section 9 of the Oregon Constitution
• Stops and Arrests
• Frisks and Searches
• Warrant Requirement
• Exceptions to the Warrant Requirement
• Vehicle Searches
• The Exclusionary Rule