CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement.

Identify and analyze the interconnectedness between the components of the criminal justice system in the U.S.–to include law enforcement, the courts and correctional operations. Outline the process of justice in the American criminal justice system and how it interfaces with and impacts various populations of people, including people of different socio-economic classes, cultures, genders, and races. Survey and complete a comparative study on the history, development, and philosophy of the criminal justice system. Identify and explain the functions of various local, state, and federal agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice, including the court and trial process.

Crosslisted: Note: Also offered as CJS 111H ; credit is not given for CJS 111 and also CJS 111H .

Note: Typically offered at MC, AM, GB, and OL; all terms.

Course Outcomes:

Apply the U.S. Constitutional amendments to specific scenarios.
Discuss the historical development of the U.S. criminal justice system and describe its components and functions.
Discuss the structure and function of local, state and federal courts.
Compare and contrast the roles of federal, state and local levels of law enforcement and their respective agencies.
List and describe the steps of the criminal justice process.
Analyze criminal justice policies and practices that disproportionately affect minority populations.