AJ 21 Criminal Justice in Society

Units: 3
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Grade Options: Letter Grade
General Education: Delta Areas 5 & 6; CSU Area D
Advisories: ENG 1A or ENG 2A with a grade of “C” or better.
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (HBCU, UC, CSU, C-ID AJ 110)