CJ – 121 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Thomas College Instructor: Steven R. Giorgetti
Semester: Fall 2005 Office Hours: By Appointment
Scheduled: Tue. & Thur. Section M & N Classroom: 227
COURSE GOAL:
The major functions of the police, the courts and corrections as components of the Maine Criminal Justice System and the important interrelationships of these three divisions will be discussed. This course will include a review of the role of the entire criminal justice system in dealing with the criminal offender. Emphasis will be given to the Maine Court System, including organizational structure, the appellate process, and the relationship between state and federal courts.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Identify the major goals of the criminal justice system to include:
A. Guaranteeing due process
B. Crime prevention
C. Protection of life and property
D. Apprehension of the offender
E. Enforcement of the law
F. Equal justice
List and explain the major components of the criminal justice system.
Discuss the major agencies within each of the criminal justice system components.
Identify the primary function, jurisdiction, and area of potential mutual assistance between Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.
Define the typical series of events involved in the detection and prosecution of a crime.
Define key terms related to the processing of criminal defendants.
Identify the divisions of the Maine Court System, their functions and the methods for appeal.
Identify the major elements of court procedure for trying and sentencing criminal offenders.
COURSE FORMAT:
The course will be presented in a lecture - discussion - student class presentation format which will be adjusted to meet subject and student needs. There are no "make-up" dates without prior written approval. It is your individual responsibility to plan your semester accordingly. Attendance, preparation, and active participation is expected and will be reflected in the final grade. The lectures are designed to reinforce the concepts in your textbook that the instructor feels to be of primary importance; hence the material tested will come mostly from the lectures. The college policy on academic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.
TEXT:
Criminal Justice in Action, Gaines, Larry, Kaune, Michael, Miller, Roger L., 2000
GRADING:
In order to measure understanding of the material covered in the text and class discussions, three examinations will be conducted. The student will also prepare a thirty-minute presentation on a specific area of the criminal justice system. The student can gather research material or perform a visitation to an agency and observe the law enforcement, court or corrections function. The final course grade will be based on the following criteria:
Weight
Examination #1 20 %
Examination #2 20 %
Criminal Justice Presentation 20 %
Final Examination 20 %
Class Preparation and Participation 20 %
Total 100 %
GRADING RANGE:
|
A 95 - 100 |
B+ 87 - 89 |
C+ 77 - 79 |
D+ 67 - 69 |
F below 60 |
|
A- 90 - 94 |
B 83 - 86 |
C 73 - 76 |
D 63 - 66 |
|
|
B- 80 - 82 |
C- 70 - 72 |
D- 60 - 62 |
TENTATIVE CLASS AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
DATE TOPIC READING ASSIGNMENT
Week #1 Philosophical Background to Criminal Justice Chapters 1, 2, & 3
Week #2 History of Law Enforcement Chapters 4, 5, & 6
Week #3 Agencies of Criminal Justice Chapters 7, 8, & 9
Week #4 Agencies of Criminal Justice Prepare Individual Reports
Week #5 Agencies of Criminal Justice Class Presentations
Week #6 Agencies of Criminal Justice & 1st Exam Class Presentations
Week #7 Court and Correctional Units Chapter 10
Week #8 Protection of Personal Liberties Chapter 11
Week #9 Constitutional Limitations in Perspective Chapter 12
Week #10 Processes of Criminal Justice & 2nd Exam Chapters 13, 14 & 15
Week #11 Human Relations Chapter 16
Week #12 Efficiency, Morality, Legality and Compassion Chapter 17
Week #13 Research Areas and Current Trends Chapter 18
Week #14 Special Challenges for Change Chapter 19
Week #15 Career Orientation Chapter 20
Final Examination