CRMJ 2600 Wyoming Criminal Law and Domestic Violence

This course provides an intensive examination of the Wyoming Criminal Code (Title 6) and the specific legal and procedural mandates regarding domestic violence in Wyoming. The student will analyze the legal elements of crimes against persons, property, and public order with a specialized focus on the legal definitions of "Household Member" and "Domestic Abuse" under Title 35. This course covers the practical application of law enforcement duties including the determination of the predominant aggressor, mandatory arrest statutes, and the constitutional requirements for search, seizure, and evidence collection in high-volatility domestic settings. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Major Topics

  • Wyoming Criminal Code (Title 6)
  • Domestic Violence Law & Procedure (Title 35 & Title 7)
  • Behavioral dynamics & victimology
  • Professional application & liability

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Identify the specific legal elements required for prosecution under Wyoming State Statutes Title 6 (Crimes and Offenses).

2. Differentiate between various degrees of assault, battery, and domestic abuse as defined by the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission.

3. Execute a "predominant aggressor" analysis during simulated domestic disturbance calls to determine the appropriate legal course of action.

4. Apply Wyoming’s mandatory arrest provisions and "probable cause" standards to scenarios involving violations of protection orders.

5. Critique the "cycle of violence" and "power and control" models to understand their impact on victim behavior and witness cooperation in Wyoming courts.

6. Formulate legally sufficient probable cause affidavits and investigative reports that meet the evidentiary standards of the Wyoming judicial system.