AJ 2 - Administration of Justice

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: 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).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of criminological theories used to explain crime and criminality.
2. Explain the methods, theories, and concepts associated with the sources of crime data, the emerging patterns of criminal activity, and the costs of crime.
3. Understand the history, development, structure, and function of American police, courts, and corrections.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, structure, and function of the police.
5. Convey an understanding of the process of adjudication.
6. Show an understanding of corrections including the roles of probation, parole, and community corrections; as well as the functions of prisons and jails.
7. Identify and describe special issues in the criminal justice system involving juvenile delinquency, drugs, and the future development.
8. Critically analyze and discuss issues of crime and justice from varying perspectives.
9. Utilize conclusions from scholarly research in creating informed positions on controversial issues in criminal justice.
10. Demonstrate the ability to raise critically relevant questions based on independent reading of criminal justice literature.
11. Effectively follow the appropriate writing style practiced in the social sciences.
12. Explain the definitions of crime.
13. Understand the extent of the crime problem in America.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Group Discussions
2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
3. Lecture
4. Multimedia Presentations
5. Reading Assignments
6. Case analyses and studies

1. Projects
2. Homework
3. Objective and subjective examinations/quizzes, Research Papers using APA, ASA, or a generally accepted Social Science writing format, In class exercises/presentations

Reading Assignments

1. Read an article on drug courts and be able to discuss their purpose in class.
2. Read an article about prisoners re-entering society and be prepared to participate in a class discussion.

Writing Assignments

1. Read the chapter on the courts, then write a two-page paper on a criminal case and discuss your opinion of sentencing.
2. Research careers in a law enforcement agency, and submit a 2500 word paper, prepared in the APA style, detailing the agency’s purpose, role in the community and structure.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Tour a detention facility and discuss the experience. Be prepared to discuss what you've learned in class.
2. Interview a law enforcement officer and/or parolee and discuss their life and choices. Be prepared to discuss what you've learned in class.

Schmalleger, F. (2010). Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction. Pearson, 8th. 0132252473.

Other Learning Materials

The law library located within the library on the main campus

Internet Articles

Administration of Justice

Law (Masters Required)