CRIJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Philosophy, history, and objectives and functions of the criminal justice system as a social institution are examined, along with the relationship of this system to society and a general overview of the administration of justice.

Credits

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

CRIJ 101Introduction to Criminal 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

Program Requirement

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

Credit Hours Narrative

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

Philosophy, history, and objectives and functions of the criminal justice system as a social institution are examined, along with the relationship of this system to society and a general overview of the administration of justice.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Describe the historical development of the criminal justice and how multiculturalism has impacted the systems development.
  • Identify the two major crime indexes and explain how crime data is gathered and reported.
  • Summarize the five schools of criminological theory and explain the prevailing theories in each school.
  • Describe the general nature and purpose of the substantive criminal law and explain the elements that constitute a criminal offense.
  • Explain the four categories of affirmative defenses to criminal liability.
  • Describe the historical development of policing and law enforcement agencies in the United States.
  • Examine how research methodologies have impacted the operation and management of law enforcement agencies.
  • Identify and explain the major criminal procedure doctrines and describe how they impact a criminal prosecution.
  • Examine the issues and challenges currently impacting law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal level.
  • Explain the history and development of the American court system.
  • Describe the major steps in the pretrial and trial process.
  • Summarize the philosophy and goals in regard to sentencing convicted offenders.
  • Examine the advantages and disadvantages of probation, parole and community based corrections.
  • Examine the historical development of prisons and jails in America and the current issues facing the state and federal correction systems.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

What is Criminal Justice? The Crime Picture The Search for Causes of Criminal Conduct Substantive Criminal Law Policing: History and Structure Policing: Purpose and Organization Policing: Legal Aspects Policing: Issues and Challenges The Courts: Structure and Participants Pretrial Activities and the Criminal Trial Sentencing of Criminal Offenders Probation, Parole and Community Corrections Prisons and Jails Prison Life

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Participation in classroom discussion and activity Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics

Required Exams

Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams

Required Text

Criminal Justice Today, By Frank Schmalleger (13th Edition, Pearson)

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Participation in classroom discussion and activity Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams