Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Official General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

CRJ 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice


This course provides the student with a foundation for integrated instruction throughout the criminal justice curriculum.  The content of advanced criminal justice courses are introduced in this course, as well as a review of the process in which individuals become suspects, suspects become defendants, some defendants are convicted and become probationers, inmates and parolees.  Innovative programs involving policing, the courts, prosecution, sentencing and corrections treatment is reviewed.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisite:  Writing placement score equivalent to ENG 110 College Writing I or better

Credits: 3
Hours
3 Class Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

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

1.  Explain what the criminal justice system is and how the components of the criminal justice system work together and affect each other in carrying out their respective missions.
2.  Identify the major means of measuring crime in the United States and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
3.  Identify the major views of criminology and explain in general terms what each perspective is.
4.  Demonstrate that they know the origins of American Criminal Law, explain the difference between Common Law and Statutory Law, and explain the concept of stare decisis.
5.  Explain the English origins of early American policing and the development of policing in the United States to the present.
6.  Explain the historical functions of police in terms of the three major eras of policing and identify the power, purpose, and structure of current police practices.
7.  Define the Constitutional guidelines on police conduct as they relate to arrest, search and seizure, confessions, and police liability.
8.  Describe the American court structure to include the appellate process, courtroom players, and the purpose of the adversarial process.
9.  Explain the history and purpose of punishment.
10.  Explain and justify the innovative approaches to punishment in society today.
11.  Define the difference between jails and prisons and explain the functions and purposes of both.
12.  Define in general terms the theories related to delinquency and the structure of the American juvenile justice system.