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Northern Essex Community College

Module 7: Law in Practice: Local Ordinances and Criminal Defenses 

Review all module materials and expectations carefully before beginning your work.

Module Overview

This module focuses on how law operates at both the local and courtroom levels within the criminal justice system. You will begin by examining the differences between criminal law and municipal ordinances, exploring how local laws are created, enforced, and experienced by community members. By analyzing a specific ordinance in your own town, you will evaluate its purpose, clarity, and real-world impact, while considering the broader role of local governance. The module then shifts to the courtroom by examining criminal defenses and how they function within the judicial process. You will analyze why and when different defenses are used, applying legal concepts to real or hypothetical cases. Together, these activities emphasize how laws are interpreted, applied, and challenged across different levels of the justice system. The goal is to strengthen your understanding of legal authority, accountability, and practical decision-making within criminal law.

Important: Carefully review all module materials, instructions, and grading expectations before beginning any activity.

Student Learning Outcomes
  • SLO2: Discuss the substantive and procedural criminal law in the United States and identify the major components of the court system.
  • SLO3: Describe and discuss the steps in the criminal process and functions of the various components (i.e. police, courts & corrections).
What You Will Do
  • Complete assigned readings or instructional materials.
  • Participate in discussions or applied learning activities.
  • Complete written, practical, creative, or problem-based assignments.
  • Review instructor feedback and module expectations.
  • Review all materials carefully before beginning assignments.
  • Follow assignment instructions and grading rubrics closely.
  • Proofread all submissions before posting or uploading.
  • Ask questions early if anything is unclear.