Courts in the Criminal Justice System

Catalog description

An analysis of the function and role of the courts and the personnel involved in the American criminal justice system. CRIMJ 565 CRIMJ 565 Courts in the Criminal Justice System (3) The course will deal with the nature and function of the courts and their personnel within the American criminal justice system. In relation to the structure and organization of the courts, the differences in court systems and functions will be examined, as well as proposals for reform of these structures and organization in light of concerns over increasing caseloads, other docket pressures, and a variety of other issues. The course additionally examines the personnel involved in the court processes of the criminal justice system in their function, education and training, selection, role orientations and examines the implications of these factors in how they exercise decision-making power. Proposals for reform of decision-making functions of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges will be examined in light of the interrelated functioning of personnel within the courts.