Survey of Courts and the Criminal Justice System

Catalog description

Class Hours: 3 Lab/Discussion: 0 Credits: 3 Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or CRIM 102 or departmental permission Description: Examines the historical background, the traditions, and the legal principles that underlie the courts as an integral component of the American system of criminal justice. Both differences and similarities inherent within the state and federal court processes are analyzed, and the procedures through which the criminal courts uphold the basic rights and liberties of all United States citizens, both victims and the accused, are explored. The dynamics of the judiciary are considered through examination of the critical foundation of the judicial process. A primary focus is placed on understanding the respective roles played by judges, prosecuting attorneys, defense counsel, police, probation officers, and other court-related personnel in the criminal court process.