CRMJ - Criminal Justice

An introduction to the organization and activities of the U.S. criminal justice system. Topics include: criminal law, policing, courts, and corrections.

The course will consist of a general approach to legal principles of statutory interpretation of Criminal Law applicable in all United States jurisdictions. Students will learn the elements of criminal offenses including mens rea, actus reus, concurrence, causation and proximity. Students will study statutory definitions of crimes, (e.g. murder, sexual assault, burglary, and robbery). Inchoate crimes and defenses will also be considered.

An examination of the structure and functioning of police and police organizations in the United States. Topics covered include patrol, police discretion, ethics, police community relations and police accountability.

The course studies the criminal law processes necessary for successful criminal investigation including physical and testimonial evidence gathering, arrest, and presentation of an accused to court for trail proceedings. Students are required to apply contemporary U.S. Supreme Court decisions relevant to such topics as arrest, search and seizure, and interrogations.

The course involves the study of homeland security, mission and composition. Students will examine the various methods and institutions implicated in the quest to increase security and defend against terrorism. Consideration of the methods and practices for border security in the United States will be included.

Thes course involves the study of crime scene investigations. The course will not involve students in actual investigations (and therefore does not require a science background) but rather the procedural structure and strategic steps to be taken in securing the crime scene in developing a checklist of factors to be considered in a comprehensive investigation.

A study of societal reactions to crime from an historical, socio-political, social psychological and economic perspective. The functions of retribution, rehabilitation, incapacitation and deterrence are examined.

Special topics in Criminal Justice not covered in detail by regular courses.

The course will consider ethics as it relates to the criminal law. The definition of justice and the application of the definition will be discussed. Honor, integrity, and individual responsibility will be considered as these concepts relate to policy formulation and application of laws in the criminal justice system.

The course will examine the types of criminal behavior and crime patterns, the social and organizational context of crime, statistical information about crime and various theories of crime.

A capstone course in which students will do readings, discussions, and analysis of current topics of interest in the field of criminal justice. Using primary sources, students will prepare and present in-depth examinations of specific issues. Senior standing in the major is required. This course will be taught using a blended course format. Instruction for one third of this course will be delivered online.

Supervised placement in legal and/or criminal justice work setting. On a limited basis, opportunity to observe and engage in various facets of criminal justice system. Permission of department.

Individualized study under the supervision of a faculty member. Permission of the department is required.