Criminal Justice

An overview of the United States criminal justice system designed to present the introductory student with a basic understanding of both the theoretical and the practical aspects of, as well as the interrelationship between, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Topics to be covered include: criminal law; types of and measurement of crime; the conflict between crime control and due process; police history, development, organization and training; state and federal court systems; history and role of corrections and a brief overview of the changing juvenile justice system.

This course is designed to challenge students to consider their professional ethical responsibilities when faced with dilemmas in the areas of policing, the courts, and corrections. Students will be introduced to ethical theory and required to apply ethical decision-making in a variety of contexts to address contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.

This course will introduce the student to the correctional systems used in the United States, the ideological and historical roots of corrections as well as sanctions used within the community (probation, parole, intermediate sanctions) and those within institutions (jails, prisons, women’s facilities, juvenile facilities, death penalty). Discussions on the different incarceration categories such as minimum, medium, maximum and “super max” facilities, constitutional rights of offenders and the role of the correctional worker, is included.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history, responsibilities, functions and organization of policing in the United States. The legal and procedural restraints upon the practices of the police in a free society are emphasized along with the causes of police deviance. Traditional processes and procedures are analyzed along with an examination of contemporary issues affecting the police.

This course examines the historical and contemporary threat posed by terrorism to the United States. The causation and organization of terrorism will be examined along with the impact of terrorism on intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security agencies. An examination of the challenge posed by the desire to maintain safety and security in a free society while preserving civil liberties will also be addressed.

This course will focus on the role and function of security operations and administration in both private and public settings. Internal and external threats to safety and security will be examined and possible solutions explored.

An analysis of the nature and purpose of criminal investigation. Discussion will include various methods of investigation, the interview and interrogation of witnesses and suspects, collection and preservation of evidence, use of informants, techniques of surveillance, and documentation of investigative activities.

Studies the law of crimes, including the scope, purpose, definitions, and classifications of criminal acts. In addition to surveying the history and philosophy of criminal law, significant time will be devoted to the study and analysis of offenses against the person, offenses against property, aspects of criminal liability, jurisdiction, and criminal defenses such as justification, necessity, entrapment and insanity.

An examination of the Law of Criminal Procedure and the constitutional limitations placed on those charged with the responsibility of crime control and the administration of criminal justice in the United States. Major topics include: the laws of arrest, search and seizure, confessions, statements and admissions, trial rights and civil liabilities of those who deny others their constitutional rights.

This course is a culmination of the Criminal Justice student’s academic experience and is designed to assist students in the transition from the community college to entry-level career positions in the criminal justice system. Students will engage in projects that require them to think critically about themselves and reflect on the knowledge gained during their community college experience. Students will explore potential career paths and develop skills to enhance their employment prospects. This course should be taken during a student’s final semester of study.

An opportunity for students to participate in a program of observational and professional experience with a local criminal justice agency. Students will prepare reports and summaries of their activities. Students are also required to meet with the instructor throughout the semester. Permission of instructor is required. Pre-requisites are available upon request. A minimum of 90 hours at the field study site is required.

An opportunity for students to participate in a program of observational and professional experience with a local criminal justice agency. Students will prepare reports and summaries of their activities. Students are also required to meet with the instructor throughout the semester. Permission of instructor is required. Pre-requisites are available upon request. A minimum of 135 hours at the field study site is required.

An opportunity for students to learn about and participate in a program of criminal justice on a national and local level in the District of Columbia metropolitan area, including Virginia and Maryland. The inception, history, and current method of operation of selected federal and local agencies will be examined.