Criminal law serves a critical function in society. This course will concentrate on the fundamental concepts of substantive criminal law. Students will be engaged in analysis and discussion of theories of punishment and the basic elements of criminal liability and responsibility. The course will cover criminal offenses, defenses to criminal liability and related policy arguments. Topical subjects as mandatory sentencing, capital punishment and the insanity defense will be examined. Students will participate in classroom role playing as advocates on topical criminal law subjects such as the duty to retreat and "stand your ground."