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.

Credits

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

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

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

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