Introduction to Criminal Justice

DESCRIPTION:
Overview of the American criminal justice system. Examination of its various phases: investigation and detection of crimes by the police; prosecution of alleged offenders; adjudication of cases by courts; imprisonment of convicted offenders; re-integration. Study of the role, organization, ethics and limitations of law enforcement, courts and corrections. Study of their interactions and interdependence. Emphasis on the IV and V Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

RATIONALE: 
This course provides students with a thorough knowledge of the American criminal justice system and particularly of the role and function of its three sub-systems namely police, courts and corrections. Students become familiar with the various steps that follow the commission of a crime and the rules that govern each phase of the formal justice process. The course shows the relevance of social sciences, particularly sociology, in issues of criminal justice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Distinguish the various perspectives and the formal steps ofthe American criminal justice;
2. Analyze the role, function, ethics and limitations of each basic component of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections;
3. Explain the concepts of search and seizure under the IV Amendment as well as the principle against selfincrimination under the V Amendment;
4. Assess existing processes, practices and policies in an era of widespread protection of civil liberties and technological advances.

METHOD OFTEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Classes will consist of lectures and class discussions on selected topics.
• Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their lecturer, where they can address issues and ask questions pertinent to the course material.
• Use of a blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely 
2 announcements, as well as additional resources.