Court Personnel/Pre-lawCertificate of AchievementAS Degree

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of criminological theories and their application within diverse societal contexts, examining the interaction between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through a critical lens, students will explore the philosophy of law, the organizational structures of law enforcement at various governmental levels, and the dynamic interrelationships between these entities. Special emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinnings of criminology, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. The course critically addresses the influence of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and culture on crime and criminal justice responses. Through an analysis of contemporary issues, historical developments, and comparative criminology, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to understand the complexities of crime in a global context, fostering a deep appreciation for the contributions and perspectives of diverse groups. Graded only.

This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (C-ID AJ 110).

This course is an introduction to legal research. Students will become familiar with and learn how to use materials commonly found in law libraries via a web-based legal resource. Graded only.

This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 120).

This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 124).

This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 140).

This course provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 122).

Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes. (C-ID BUS 125).