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

CRJ 204 - Criminal Courts and Sentencing


This course describes the court and sentencing process in U.S. criminal courts.  Special attention is paid to how judges sentence offenders.  This course will evaluate mandatory and discretionary sentences, intermediate sanctions, and current legislative proposals for sentencing changes.  Students will examine the court steps following an arrest and the process leading to adjudication and sentencing.

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.  Be familiar with the criminal court process.
2.  Understand the criminal sentencing guidelines in state and federal courts.
3.  Understand mitigating factors commonly offered by defense counsel during a criminal sentencing process.
4.  Be familiar with the discretion of judges, prosecution and defense counsel during the court process.
5.  Understand the facets of court personnel.
6.  Have learned the evolving approaches to specialized courts.
7.  Understand criminal defense work in the United States and how indigent defendants obtain counsel.
8.  Identify the various courtroom and administrative functions of a judge.