Lassen Community College Course Outline

Transcription

1 Lassen Community College Course Outline AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3.0 Units I. Catalog Description This course explores the roots of our current justice system and the interaction of its various subsystems (law enforcement/prosecution, judicial and corrections). It emphasizes the organizational structure and legal considerations relevant to each subsystem. Topics include the origin of law, theories of crime causation, criminal procedure, and sentencing philosophies and alternatives. This course has been approved for correspondence delivery. Recommended Preparation: Successful completion of ENGL105 or equivalent assessment placement. Transfers to CSU only (C-ID AJ 110) 51 Hours Lecture Scheduled: Fall II. III. Coding Information Repeatability: Not Repeatable, Take 1 Time Grading Option: Graded or Pass/No Pass Credit Type: Credit - Degree Applicable TOP Code: Course Objectives A. Course Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: 1. Explain the definition of crime utilizing the criminal theories, and concepts associated with the sources of crime data, the emerging patterns of criminal activity, costs of crime and the extent of the crime problem in America. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the history, development, structure and function of American police, courts, and corrections and discuss the process of adjudication. 3. Critically analyze and discuss issues of crime and justice from varying perspectives including the roles of probation, parole, jails, and community corrections; as well as the functions of prisons and jails. 4. Utilize conclusions from scholarly research in creating informed positions on controversial issues in criminal justice as well as juvenile justice. B. Course Objectives Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: 1. Explain the history and evolution of the administration of justice system. 2. Identify, compare and contrast the objectives of law enforcement, judiciary and correctional components of the criminal justice system. 3. List the criminal justice system s responsibilities to the community. 4. Identify general concepts in crime causation, and the social implications of crime on society. AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 1

2 5. Compare and contrast the various local, state, and federal agencies, their organizational structure, and roles of each subsystem within the criminal justice system. 6. Recognize and identify the key steps in the judicial process. 7. Identify and explain key U.S. Constitutional rights related to criminal justice protected by the Bill of Rights and the Due Process clause. 8. Demonstrate an increased appreciation of the education, training, and professionalism, needed for career opportunities in the criminal justice system. IV. Course Content Part I The Nature of Crime, Law, and Criminal Justice a. Is crime a recent development b. Developing the criminal justice system c. The formal criminal justice process d. The Informal criminal justice system e. Perspectives on justice f. Ethics in criminal justice Part II The Nature of Crime and Victimization a. How is crime defined b. How is crime measured c. Crime trends d. Crime patterns e. Causes of crime and victimization Part III Criminal Law: Substance and Procedure a. Historical development of the criminal law b. Sources of the criminal law c. The legal definition of a crime d. Criminal defenses e. Reforming the criminal law f. Constitutional criminal procedure g. Due process of law Part IV Police in Society: History and Organization a. The history of police b. Evolution of policing c. Policing and law enforcement today d. Technology and law enforcement Part V The Police Role and Function a. The police organization b. The police role c. The patrol function d. The investigative function e. Community policing f. Changing the police role g. Support functions Part VI Issues in Policing a. Who are the police? b. The police profession c. Police discretion d. Problems of policing AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 2

3 e. Police and the rule of law Part VII Courts and Adjudication a. State Courts b. Federal Courts c. U.S. Supreme Court d. Federal and State court caseloads e. The prosecutor f. Prosecutorial discretion g. The defense attorney h. The right to counsel i. Court administration Part VIII Pretrial Procedures a. Bail b. Charging the defendant c. Plea bargaining Part IX The Criminal Trial a. Legal rights during trial b. The trial process Part X Punishment and Sentencing a. The history of punishment b. The goals of modern sentencing c. Imposing sentence d. Sentencing models e. How people are sentenced f. Capital punishment Part XI Corrections and Alternative Sanctions a. Probation b. Intermediate Sanctions c. Restorative Justice Part XII Corrections: History, Institutions, and Populations a. The history of correctional institutions b. Jails c. Prisons d. Alternative Correctional Institutions e. Inmate populations Part XIII Prison Life a. Men imprisoned b. Women imprisoned c. Correctional treatment methods d. Guarding the institution e. Prison violence f. Prisoner s rights g. Leaving prison V. Assignments A. Appropriate Readings The student is to read the text,"introduction to Law and Enforcement", legal updates and journals. AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 3

4 B. Writing Assignments Students will be required to complete weekly written quizzes and submit a position paper on a criminal justice subject. C. Expected Outside Assignments The student will visit local law enforcement agencies and conduct research for papers. D. Specific Assignments that Demonstrate Critical Thinking Students will review, analyze and compare the historical and philosophical aspects of the criminal justice system for class discussions, exams and class reports. VI. Methods of Evaluation Traditional Classroom Delivery Classroom Participation Outside Assignment Midterm and Final Examination Same as face to face with the exception of the desired use of proctored exams and exclusion of participation in classroom activities. Students will be expected to complete assignments and activities equivalent to in-class assignments and activities. Written correspondence and a minimum of six opportunities for feedback will be utilized to maintain effective communication between instructor and student. VII. Methods of Delivery Check those delivery methods for which, this course has been separately approved by the Curriculum/Academic Standards Committee. Traditional Classroom Delivery Interactive Television Delivery Online Delivery Traditional Classroom Instruction Lecture, Powerpoint, and other media presentations, discussions. Assigned readings, instructor-generated typed handouts, typed lecture materials, exercises and assignments equal to face to face instructional delivery. Written correspondence and a minimum of six opportunities for feedback will be utilized to maintain effective communication between instructor and student. VIII. Representative Texts and Supplies Regoli, Hewitt, and Maras, Exploring Criminal Justice The Essentials, 2 nd edition, 2013, Oxford Publishers, ISBN: IX. Discipline/s Assignment Administration of Justice AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 4

5 X. Course Status Current Status: Active Original Approval Date: 3/27/1990 Revised By: Nancy Bengoa-Beterbide Curriculum/Academic Standards Committee Revision Date: 03/25/2014 AJ-12 Introduction to Criminal Justice Page 5