1/2 CreditGrades 11-12This Social Studies elective is a basic law course designed to give students a betterunderstanding of the principles, procedures, and actual practices of the U.S. criminalsystem. Topics in this one-semester course will include the nature and causes ofcriminal behavior; the qualifications for, characteristics of, and problems connectedwith police work; due process as it relates to police investigations, arrests, court andlegal procedures; and sentencing and prison life. The many controversies connected tothe above items are explored. The course is augmented by an array of guest speakerswho are professionals in the field, a ride-along program, and a field trip to acorrectional facility.