Introduction to Criminal Justice

Catalog description

This course introduces the student to the American system of criminal justice. Its growth and development is examined with emphasis placed on three essential components of the system: the police, courts and corrections. Each component contributes to our understanding of the definition and measurement of crime, and various efforts to explain the causes of crime. The following issues will be a primary focus of the course: discretion of law enforcement agents; due process; and the contemporary changes occurring within the context of the criminal justice system.