CJS 1101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Description
Introduction to Criminal Justice provides an overview of the criminal justice system in US society, including the philosophy, history, organization, and function of the police, courts, and corrections. Topics include foundations of crime; justice and law; federal, tribal and state elements; victimization; victim rights; crime statistics and the extent of crime; police issues; juvenile justice system; juvenile delinquency; court systems; corrections, community corrections; professional career opportunities; and future trends. This course is part of the Minnesota State Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) transfer pathways.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. Explains the core components of the criminal justice system (e.g. policing, judicial and corrections).
2. Explores criminal justice careers and opportunities for change in the criminal justice system.
3. Explores the history and relationships of the core components of the criminal justice system in its current state and in the future.
4. Identifies the constitutional foundations integral to the criminal justice system.
5. Explains the process of how laws are created, enforced interpreted, amended and revised.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to successfully identify the knowledge base, respond to and properly handle all task associated with the following Professional Police Officer Education (PPOE) Learning objectives required by the Minnesota POST Board:
2.1.1 Develop an understanding of the historical need for rules and regulations to govern human conduct and enforce societal directives. Analyze the evolution of the criminal justice system in the United States and its current structure and role in maintaining public safety. Evaluate the impact of historical and contemporary events, customs, and social norms on the current system of justice in the U.S.
2.1.2 Describe the history behind the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
2.1.3 Explain the need for a balance between public safety and personal rights in a free society.
2.1.4 Explain how the inclusion of women and culturally diverse community representation has impacted law enforcement's history and current state.
2.1.5 Explain the roles of law enforcement, the courts and corrections.
2.1.6 Explain the functions and jurisdictions of law enforcement agencies including federal, state, county, municipal, tribal, and international.
2.1.7 Identify the meaning of criminal justice system terms, e.g., custody, arraignment, circumstantial evidence, double jeopardy, entrapment, exigent circumstances, conviction, bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, great bodily harm, assault, probation, qualified domestic violence-related offense (Minn. Stat. 609.02), forfeiture, “good faith” exception, exclusionary rule, indictment, inevitable discovery, probable cause, Miranda warning, reasonable suspicion, warrant, imprisonment, probation, parole and supervised release.
2.1.8 Describe the function and responsibility of each of the key participants involved in a typical courtroom hearing or trial including judges, jury members, prosecuting and defense attorneys and witnesses.
2.1.9 Explain the broad functions of the correctional system including imprisonment, parole and probation.
2.2.11 Describe proceedings before a trial including the roles of the law enforcement, the defense attorney and prosecutors.
2.2.12 Summarize the rights and processes related to a fair and speedy trial and the right to a jury trial.
2.6.2 Explain a criminal defendant's Sixth Amendment right to an attorney in all criminal prosecutions including interviews and interrogations.
Credit Details
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05- History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies
Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Transfer Pathway Competencies
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.