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Criminal Justice

Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Criminology

This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Juvenile Justice

This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Law Enforcement Operations

This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Criminal Law

This course covers the history/evolution/principles and contemporary applications of criminal law. Topics include sources of substantive law, classification of crimes, parties to crime, elements of crimes, matters of criminal responsibility, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the sources of law and identify, interpret, and apply the appropriate statutes/elements.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Court Procedure & Evidence

This course covers judicial structure/process/procedure from incident to disposition, kinds and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Corrections

This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Ethics & Community Relations

This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Substance Abuse

This course is a study of substance abuse in our society. Topics include the history and classifications of drug abuse and the social, physical, and psychological impact of drug abuse. Upon completion, students should be able to identify various types of drugs, their effects on human behavior and society, and treatment modalities.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Victimology

This course introduces the study of victims. Emphasis is placed on roles/characteristics of victims, victim interaction with the criminal justice system and society, current victim assistance programs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and identify victims, the uniqueness of victims' roles, and current victim assistance programs.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Investigative Principles

This course introduces the theories and fundamentals of the investigative process. Topics include crime scene/incident processing, information gathering techniques, collection/preservation of evidence, preparation of appropriate reports, court presentations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, explain, and demonstrate the techniques of the investigative process, report preparation, and courtroom presentation.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 2 0 4

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Criminalistics

This course covers the functions of the forensic laboratory and its relationship to successful criminal investigations and prosecutions. Topics include advanced crime scene processing, investigative techniques, current forensic technologies, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and collect relevant evidence at simulated crime scenes and request appropriate laboratory analysis of submitted evidence.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Organized Crime

This course introduces the evolution of traditional and non-traditional organized crime and its effect on society and the criminal justice system. Topics include identifying individuals and groups involved in organized crime, areas of criminal activity, legal and political responses to organized crime, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the groups and activities involved in organized crime and the responses of the criminal justice system.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None

Constitutional Law

The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts.

Lec Lab Clinic Credit
3 0 0 3

Co-Requisites

None

Pre-Requisites

None