Criminal Justice (CRJU)

An introduction to the development of the American criminal justice system from early English beginnings to the present in its three dimensions: police, courts and corrections.

This class offers an overview of ethical issues in the various branches of the criminal justice system and reviews approaches to establishing and using ethical practices.

This course provides an advanced level examination of topics that are of current interest in the field of criminal justice. The class may be repeated for credit when course content changes.

This course introduces students to crime scene investigation and the major disciplines of modern forensic science. Topics include an examination of the historical background of forensic science in the criminal justice system, an assessment of general principles of the current practice of forensic science, examination of the role of expert testimony and likely interaction(s) of the forensic scientist with other individuals and components of the criminal justice system.

Study of the extent, causes and possible deterrents to crime including murder, assault, white-collar offenses and organized crime with attention to the role of the victim and policy implications.

This course studies the criminal justice process from arrest through appeal with emphasis upon the rights of the accused including due process, the right to counsel, search and seizure, and the privilege against self-incrimination.

This course covers characteristics, legal aspects, organizational objectives, theories and systematic procedure of criminal investigation. It includes a survey of the investigative function, interviewing witnesses, interrogation, physical evidence, the investigation of common serious offenses and the principles of evidence, including the legal rules controlling the presentation of evidence in court.

This course provides students with an overview of the practice of law enforcement and the legal and social issues associated with this work in the United States.

This class offers students an in-depth introduction to the workings of the court system in the United States.

This course is designed to identify unique challenges to administrators of criminal justice organizations. The structures, functions and processes in the administration of criminal justice organizations is examined. Topics of interest include a variety of public management theories, the role of leadership, and communication as it relates to criminal justice organizations.

This course allows students to receive academic credit for work experienced in an agency or organization related to the criminal justice minor. Students should consult the director of the criminal justice minor for assistance in arranging approved internships.