This course is designed to expose students to a general overview of the criminal justice system in the United States.  The major components of the criminal justice system (law and courts, law enforcement and corrections) are examined along with the social and political institutions, which contribute to the criminal justice process as a whole.

As a result of completing this course the student will be able to:

1. Understand what criminal law is and how our system of criminal justice works.
2. Describe and understand the major components of the criminal justice system (law and courts, law enforcement and corrections).
3. Understand the social and political effects on the criminal justice system as a whole.
4. Describe and understand various criminological theories.
5. Describe the type, structure and organization of law enforcement agencies in the United States.
6. Describe the source of law in the United States.
7. Understand the Constitutional rights of the accused.
8. Described the structure and function of state and federal court systems.
9. Differentiate between and describe the probation and parole systems.
10. Describe the various components of the penal system in the United States.
11. Think critically concerning the components and institutions involved in the criminal justice system and process.

This course addresses the general education outcomes of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating social, political, historical forces and communicating effectively through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

1. Law and the Courts
2. Law Enforcement
3. Corrections

Tests, a writing assignment and a final exam prepared by individual instructors will be used to determine the course grade, along with any other assignments required by the instructor.  The final exam will include at least a 20-question multiple choice assessment instrument that will count for at least 20% of the grade on the final exam.  The assessment instrument will have questions that sample the material found in the above objectives.  It is expected that writing skills will be emphasized by the incorporation of a written assignment component in the course.

March 2002
Reviewed June 8, 2005