This course provides an analysis of the United States criminal justice system; including the role of justice agencies in societal response to crime. An examination of the knowledge base of criminal justice; issues, problems, trends will be a focus as well. Particular emphasis is placed on theory and research bearing upon the effectiveness of the policies and strategies of the principal institutions of the criminal justice system – the police, courts and corrections and in particular how race, social class and gender impact on these issues. Additionally, philosophical and practical matters pertaining to “justice” and “fairness” in the administration of the criminal law are explored.  

Students completing this course will be able to: 

• Summarize the social, economic and political contexts in which ideas about crime and punishment arise
• Understand the roles and functions of the three components of the criminal justice system.
• Explain criminal justice procedures and processes
• Demonstrate familiarity with current literature, materials, and developments concerning legal issues faced by criminal justice managers
• Describe the purpose and management of criminal justice organizations and the attributes that separates public and private organization