CJ C140: Introduction to Criminal Justice
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Code | 210500 - Administration of Justice |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
An introductory course that examines the history, development and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. Provides an overview of law enforcement, courts and correctional systems in a democratic society. Topics include the major theories of crime and correctional systems in a democratic society. Topics include the major theories of crime causation, the nature and scope of police work, the role of courts and prison life in the United States. It covers recent trends in terrorism prevention and homeland security matters. Transfer Credit: CSU. C-ID: AJ 110.C-ID: AJ 110.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Given a contemporary criminal justice article, summarize the author's main themes by properly evaluating legal and social science research.
- Given a research project, evaluate and critique arguments for and/or against selected methods of controlling criminal offenders in American society, including the use of capital punishment.
Course Objectives
- 1. Describe the five major goals of the criminal justice system.
- 2. Explain the major theories of crime causation and the public policy responses to them.
- 3. Recognize and explain the value and necessity of high ethical standards and integrity in the law enforcement profession.
- 4. Distinguish the structure and purpose of the American federal and state court systems.
- 5. Define the goals of the American correctional system.
Lecture Content
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Functions and processes The problem of social control The nature and the measurement of crime Theories of crime The rule of criminal law THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAW IN AMERICA History and structure of law enforcement Operations and enforcement strategies The police: Legal considerations Police issues: Characteristics, attitudes and ethics THE ROLE OF THE COURTS Court structure and organization The role of the prosecution and the defense Trial processes Punishment and sentencing CORRECTIONS History of control Prisons and jails Prison life Probation, parole and community corrections SPECIAL ISSUES IN AMERICAN JUSTICE Juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice Drugs and crime Terrorism and Homeland Security The future of criminal justice
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
Instructor will utilize lecture, case studies, simulations, flash cards, DVD/videotaped scenarios, computer generated presentations, web-based information distribution, and facilitate classroom discussions.
Reading Assignments
Students will complete assigned reading from the course textbook and selected legal briefs and case studies.
Writing Assignments
Students will prepare reports based upon law case related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Out-of-class Assignments
Students will study for quizzes and the final examination, complete required readings, and prepare written reports.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking through the analysis of case studies, legal briefs, sample legal problems, ethical issues, security trends, and statistical data related to crime.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will prepare reports based upon law case briefs related to important U.S. Supreme Court decisions and demonstrate the ability to calculate crime rates and other statistical information using basic mathematical formulas.
Eligible Disciplines
Administration of justice (police science, corrections, law enforcement): Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Fuller, J.R. Introduction to Criminal Justice: A Brief Edition, ed. Oxford University Press, 2019 Rationale: -
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library