The actors and agencies in the administration of criminal law in the United States. Surveys processes critical to criminal punishment: arrest, bail, prosecution, conviction, sentencing, and corrections.
Athena Title
Criminal Justice Admin
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 3600
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand the legal, political, and social dynamics of the criminal justice system.
Students will be familiar with the relevant institutions and actors involved with the various stages of the criminal justice system, including consideration of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
Students will have critically analyzed criminal justice system practices and procedures.
Students will have developed an ability to discuss criminal justice policy issues from multiple perspectives in a disciplined and cogent manner.
Topical Outline
Part One: Crime and the Criminal Justice System
1. The Criminal Justice System
2. Crime and Justice in America
3. Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law
Part Two: Police
4. Police
5. Police Officers and Law Enforcement Operations
6. Police and Constitutional Law
7. Policing: Issues and Trends
Part Three: Courts
8. Courts and Adjudication
9. Pretrial Procedures, Plea Bargaining, and the Criminal Trial
10. Punishment and Sentencing
Part Four: Corrections
11. Corrections
12. Community Corrections: Probation and Intermediate Sanctions
13. Incarceration and Prison Society
14. Reentry to the Community
Part Five: The Juvenile Justice System
15. Juvenile Justice
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
