Introduction to the Administration of Justice

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the foundational characteristics of the United States criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on exploring theoretical frameworks related to crime, crime data, and responses to crime, as well as analyzing the components of the justice system and the evolving challenges it faces. The course considers the historical development of justice principles and the broader social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped them. While the justice system is viewed through a cross-cultural lens, primary focus remains on the U.S. context, particularly the structure and function of policing, courts, and corrections. Students will engage with the origins and evolution of criminal law, legal processes, sentencing philosophies, and incarceration policies. Recommended Preparation: ENGL C1000.