An introductory course to the American criminal justice system. Among the areas to be surveyed include what is crime, how crime data is collected, law enforcement, corrections, the court system and private security. A study of the essential elements that constitute criminal offenses by state and federal statutes. There will be a survey of crimes and procedures for social control, general principles of excuses and defenses and an examination of all major felony crimes.
Emphasis is on the substantive area of law.
An analysis of the causes, nature and effects of criminal behavior. An in-depth examination of the major theoretical perspectives is provided. An additional 6 hours of criminal justice courses.