CRIJ 103 Introduction to Law and Justice
This course studies basic issues of law as a means of social control including broader issues of social justice such as poverty, racism, sexism, alienation. It also provides a foundation for examining relevant critical issues in American society.
General Education Competency
GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
CRIJ 103Introduction to Law and Justice
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Social Science
II. Course Specification
Course Type
General Education
General Education Competency
GEM Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course studies basic issues of law as a means of social control including broader issues of social justice such as poverty, racism, sexism, alienation. It also provides a foundation for examining relevant critical issues in American society.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Describe the historical philosophies regarding the function of law in society and the relationship between culture and the law.
- Describe the relationship between law and the more abstract concept of justice.
- Identify the sources of law and describe the historical development of the common law.
- Explain the structure and function of state/federal court systems and the describe the criminal process from arrest to sentencing.
- Define substantive criminal law and explain the 5 elements of criminal liability.
- Identify and explain the major criminal procedure doctrines and describe the 6 exceptions to the search warrant requirement.
- Compare and contrast criminal law, civil law, and administrative law.
- Describe and explain the four recognized categories of civil law.
- Describe the historical development and philosophy of the juvenile justice system.
- Describe the typologies of social control and explain how the law is used a social control mechanism.
- Explain the limits on social control in the context of victimless crimes.
- Describe the relationship between law and social change and explain why the law is an ineffective catalyst for social change.
- Summarize the historical treatment of women in our legal system and the evolution of women’s rights.
- Summarize the historical treatment of racial minorities in our legal system and the evolution of minority rights.
- Describe the four legal traditions utilized worldwide and how each tradition adheres to rule of law.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Law: It’s Function and Purpose
Justice and the Law
Making Law
Federal and State Courts
Crime and Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Civil and Administrative Law
Juvenile Justice
The Law and Social Control
The Limits of Social Control
Law, Social Change, and the Class Struggle
Women and the Law
Racial Minorities and the Law
Comparative Law
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
Participation in classroom or online discussion and activity
Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics
Required Exams
Chapter Quizzes
Unit Exams
Writing assignment correlation between law and justice
Required Text
Law, Justice & Society, By Anthony Walsh & Craig Hemmens (3rd Edition, Oxford)
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Participation in classroom or online discussion and activity
Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics
Chapter Quizzes
Unit Exams
Writing assignment correlation between law and justice