Criminal Justice

In this course, students will explore technology and its impact on the law and criminal justice institutions. Students will explore the potential benefits, restrictions, and legal uses of emerging technologies. We will also explore how the rules of evidence and constitutional guarantees limit interaction with technology and the implications of technological use in our criminal justice system. Prerequisites: CJ221 or BA213.

This course is an introduction to the problem-solving court model in which students will analyze the factors contributing to their development, the goals of the problem-solving courts, the features and functionality of these institutions, and the roles of the various professionals. Students will be asked to explore the potential legal and ethical implications of specialty courts and compare their effectiveness with that of the traditional court model. The course will conclude by considering the future of problem-solving courts in the United States. Prerequisite: CJ212.

This course examines the rules and procedures that govern the pretrial processing of criminal suspects and the conduct of criminal trials. Constitutional rights of criminal suspects under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution will be examined. Major topics will include issues relating to arrest, search and seizure, procedures for conducting line-ups, the right to counsel, the rules governing interrogations and confessions. Prerequisite: CJ202 or BA213.

This course is designed to introduce students to the social issues in family law. Students explore how the justice system has been used to define “family” and to deal with family issues such as the creation of familial (de facto) relationships, procreation, parental rights and responsibilities, resolution of family disputes and conflicts, and the dissolution of familial relationships. The unintended and intended consequences of family law over time and sociocultural context will be examined. Prerequisites: SO101 and CJ212.

This course is designed to present students with an examination of issues related to the rehabilitation and reintegration of criminal offenders in community settings. Subjects include sentencing, probation, parole, fines, community service, and intermediate sanctions (intensive supervision, house arrest/electronic monitoring, boot camps). We focus on topics such as the punishment vs. control argument, community justice models, special offender populations (drug offenders, sex offenders, mentally ill offenders, offenders with AIDS), and the cost effectiveness of community corrections. Prerequisite: CJ221 or permission of the instructor.

This course explores the intersections of gender and race within the context of social justice, legal systems, and human rights. It critically examines how gender, sexuality and race shape experiences of inequality, discrimination, and privilege. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, analyzing issues such as systemic racism, gender-based violence, and the role of law in perpetuating or addressing injustice. The course fosters an understanding of diverse perspectives, encouraging students to think critically about solutions for promoting equity and justice in society. Prerequisites:SO101 or WL115.

This course provides an in-depth examination of a limited or specialized area within the criminal justice field. The content of the course will vary according to the area of specialization of the instructor and the interest of the students. Students may repeat this course for additional credit if the content is different. Prerequisites: CJ101 and SO101 or permission of the instructor.

A critical study of the qualitative and quantitative methods and the classical and contemporary theories used to research and explain crime as a social phenomenon. The course also explores ways that our knowledge about crime can guide social policy. Prerequisites: SO318.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of criminal law, focusing on the principles, theories, and practices that govern the prosecution and defense of crimes. Students will gain a deep understanding of the substantive criminal law, including its foundations, the classification of crimes, and the elements required for criminal liability. SO227 or BA213 or GLE230.

This course examines sexual offenses that have historically been determined at the intersection of social, political, ideological, and legal factors more so than any other category of crime. Sexual offenses are a specific type of offending in which understanding is often formed through personal experience, the experiences of others, or media coverage. Students will be introduced to a broad range of sex crimes and offenders as well as the unique criminal justice challenges associated with responding to these offenses. Prerequisite GLE230.

This course is designed to introduce students to the topic of victimology and the scientific study of victims. The course will focus only on criminal victimization, and the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm suffered by victims. The course includes an examination of victim-offender relationships, interactions among victims, the criminal justice system, and other social institutions and groups that victims encounter Prerequisites: SO227 or PS261 or GLE230.