WOMEN, CRIME AND SOCIETY

Catalog description

The course will examine this nation's response to women offenders in the criminal justice system. We will examine the history of how women have been "treated" in the criminal justice system and move into the present day response. We will also consider how this response is reflective of the larger society's expectations for women in general. Specific needs of this population will also be considered. The research shows that women are entering jails and prisons with multiple needs. Their service needs may include, substance abuse problems, parenting issues, mental health issues, and traumatic histories. Various approaches by our social systems (including the criminal justice system) will be examined.