Introduction to Criminal Justice

Catalog description

This course is an overview of the criminal justice system at the local, state and federal levels of law enforcement, corrections, and judicial system. This entry-level course will examine crime in America, define criminal justice, give a current status of crime statistics, and an overview of criminal law. Another major topic is policing at the state level, with particular attention given to the legal aspects of policing, and the issues and challenges of policing. The judicial system at the state and federal levels is also examined, focusing on courts, criminal trials, and sentencing. Finally, the course will highlight the correctional system, from probation, parole, and community corrections, to prisons/jails and prison life.