CRIM 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours:

This course provides a broad overview of the history and scope of the American criminal justice system primarily through a descriptive survey of the agencies and processes involved in the administration of criminal justice. The course emphasizes historical, constitutional (legal) and political considerations. Criminal justice is analyzed as a system, with emphasis on the problems and prospects for change.
OFFERED: fall semesters

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Examine the characteristics of crime.

Outline the prevalence and cost of crime in the United States.
Characterize crime and its consequences in United States.
Compare the principal crime series and their effectiveness in explaining crime.

Goal 2: Compare various forms of law.

Illustrate the complexity of criminal law in the United States.
Illustrate the complexity of civil law in the United States.

Goal 3: Examine law enforcement.

Concatenate the history and structure of American law enforcement.
Differentiate the various roles, styles, and functions of policing.
Summarize the ethical issues involved in policing America.

Goal 4: Examine the court system and the role it plays in the U.S. legal system.

Summarize the roles and responsibilities of the various courts.
Generalize sentencing options and their purposes.

Goal 5: Examine correctional systems.

Classify correctional institutions.
Examine factors influencing recidivism.
Assess the impact of community corrections.
Evaluate the juvenile justice system.