Criminal Justice

Course Overview

Principles of Criminal Justice covers the purposes, functions, and history of the three primary parts of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This course further explores the interrelationships and responsibilities of these three primary elements of the criminal justice system. It will critically examine the history and nature of the major theoretical perspectives in criminology, and the theories found within those perspectives. Analyzes the research support for such theories and perspectives, and the connections between theory and criminal justice system practice within all the major components of the criminal justice system. Demonstrates the application of specific theories to explain violent and non-violent criminal behavior on both the micro and macro levels of analysis. Law Enforcement and Cultural Awareness introduces fundamental law enforcement operations and organization. Includes the evolution of law enforcement at federal, state, and local levels. Emphasizes the study of American criminal justice problems and systems in historical and cultural perspectives, as well as discussing social and public policy factors affecting crime. Courts and Corrections introduces topics related to the adjudication process in criminal cases, including arraignments and preliminary hearings, suppression hearings, trials, sentencing, juvenile court, and probation and parole. Reviews the role of criminal justice personnel in court processes. This course also examines the American correctional system; the study of administration of local, state, and federal correctional agencies. The examination includes the history and development of correctional policies and practices, criminal sentencing, jails, prisons, alternative sentencing, prisoner rights, rehabilitation, and community corrections including probation and parole. Current philosophies of corrections and the debates surrounding the roles and effectiveness of criminal sentences, institutional procedures, technological developments, and special populations are discussed.

Vincennes University Dual College Credits Available