Criminal Justice

Courses Offered

Criminal justice is the system of practices, and organizations, used by national and local governments, directed at maintaining social control, deter and controlling crime, and sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties. The primary agencies charged with these responsibilities are law enforcement (police and prosecutors), courts, defense attorneys and local jails and prisons which administer the procedures for arrest, charging, adjudication and punishment of those found guilty.

Criminal Justice students will examine issues relating to crime, law, justice, and theoretical perspectives on criminal activity. The Criminal Justice curriculum stresses understanding the structure, organization, and function of the administration of justice. Courses in Criminal Justice are designed to provide avenues for students to:

  • Understand and develop an understanding of the historical nature of criminal justice in America.
  • To explore the historical roots of crime and the development of the criminal justice system.
  • To examine definitions of criminality and to explore how these definitions are affected by social, political, and individual factors.
  • Comprehend and demonstrate knowledge of the nature and extent of crime in America
  • To understand and examine the functions of each component of the criminal justice system and the interdependent nature of these components.
  • Know and understand those social phenomena that influence and/or affect the criminal justice system and process.
  • Develop and implement critical thinking techniques to analyze crime and the criminal justice system.
  • To become familiar with the contemporary issues impacting the criminal justice system.