Politics of Criminal Justice

Catalog description

Credits: 3 This course will review the political foundations of the U.S. criminal justice system-including its place in the federal and tripartite divisions of power-as well as the sociopolitical dynamics that shape criminal justice policy and outcomes. Students will explore scholarly literature and public opinion research to better understand the intersections of crime, politics, and justice. They will learn how scholars and policy makers analyze sociopolitical factors to make sense of crime and policing, court proceedings and sentencing, and detention and incarceration practices. In addition, attention will be given to the criminal justice reform movement’s efforts to expand the rights of the accused and improve police behavior and criminal justice. Note: Sophomore Level