Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice 101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
A survey of the philosophy and history of law enforcement. Students gain a knowledge of the basic organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The course explores the duties, guidelines, and ethical principles followed by the law enforcement officer, including the legal basis on which his/her authority rests. An examination of the United States court system and the complete procedure from arrest to sentencing is covered.
Three hours per week; three semester-hours credit.
Criminal Justice 204 - Criminal Law and Procedure
Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101.
Designed to provide an overview of the common law foundation for substantive and procedural criminal law in the United States and how it has affected the evolution and application of presentday law and procedures, this course reviews statutory, constitutional, common, executive and regulatory law, including computer crime and statutes. Course objectives include advancing the understanding of the relationship between law enforcement and the justice system; understanding the concepts related to legal, legislative, moral, ethical and social processes; and consideration of the balance required between the rights of the victim and the rights of the perpetrator.
Three hours per week; three semester-hours credit.
Criminal Justice 205 - Criminal Investigation
Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 101.
This course familiarizes the student with scientific investigation, and the practices and capabilities of a crime laboratory. The ethical identification, locating, gathering, and preservation of physical evidence and the forensic processing techniques of evidence are examined, including DNA and computer crime, as well as the strengths and vulnerabilities of physical evidence at trial.
Three hours per week; three semester-hours credit