INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY

Catalog description

An analysis of criminal liability in the U.S., crimes against persons and property, and public welfare. Emphasis on elements of crime, common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. Utilizes case law and case studies and an analysis of the historical, social, cultural, psychological, economic, structural, and political causative factors related to crime. Includes discussion of prosecution and defense decision-making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes, and the role of the law to prevent future criminal behaviors, the criminal justice system, crimes within our society, theoretical explanations of deviance and criminal behavior, the causes and effects of crime on society, social inequality, and social justice. Also listed as HS 37. Credit may be earned for either course, not both.