CRIM-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

A survey of the history, philosophy, and social development of police, courts, and corrections in a democratic society. Identification and operations of local, state, and federal agencies will be covered with criminal justice career orientation.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define crime and understand its elements according to legal definition.
2. 2. Examine crime statistics through the use of UCR, NCS and self-report surveys and specifically
   analyze the crime statistics of Maryland and Howard County.
3. 3. Identify methods of research and the limitations of each method.
4. 4. Examine crime control versus due process both theoretically and as it relates to public policy.
5. 5. Describe the major crime causation theories and the public policy responses to each of these.
   
6. 6. Distinguish between substantive and procedural criminal law and elements of each.
7. 7. Identify the criminal defenses and their relation to mens rea.
   
8. 8. Identify the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th amendments and major court cases related to each.
9. 9. Analyze "search and seizure", exclusionary ruling, and warrantless searches.
   
10. 10. Describe the administration of justice through stages of investigation, arrest, booking, initial
    appearance, preliminary hearing, indictment, arraignment trial, and sentencing.
    
11. 11. Examine the history and functions of police.
    
12. 12. Examine and evaluate policing issues and trends.
13. 13. Describe the roles played by prosecuting and defense attorneys.
14. 14. Examine the court proceedings, the trial process, and the post-trial procedures.
15. 15. Examine and evaluate standardized and alternative sentences including fines, probation,
    incarceration, death, community service, electronic monitoring, etc.
16. 16. Analyze the criminal justice system as it relates to politics, the media, and the community in
    general.
17. 17. Identify employment opportunities and requirements in the criminal justice field.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Define crime and understand its elements according to legal definition.
2. 2. Examine crime statistics through the use of UCR, NCS and self-report surveys and specifically
   analyze the crime statistics of Maryland and Howard County.
3. 3. Identify methods of research and the limitations of each method.
4. 4. Examine crime control versus due process both theoretically and as it relates to public policy.
5. 5. Describe the major crime causation theories and the public policy responses to each of these.
   
6. 6. Distinguish between substantive and procedural criminal law and elements of each.
7. 7. Identify the criminal defenses and their relation to mens rea.
   
8. 8. Identify the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th amendments and major court cases related to each.
9. 9. Analyze "search and seizure", exclusionary ruling, and warrantless searches.
   
10. 10. Describe the administration of justice through stages of investigation, arrest, booking, initial
    appearance, preliminary hearing, indictment, arraignment trial, and sentencing.
    
11. 11. Examine the history and functions of police.
    
12. 12. Examine and evaluate policing issues and trends.
13. 13. Describe the roles played by prosecuting and defense attorneys.
14. 14. Examine the court proceedings, the trial process, and the post-trial procedures.
15. 15. Examine and evaluate standardized and alternative sentences including fines, probation,
    incarceration, death, community service, electronic monitoring, etc.
16. 16. Analyze the criminal justice system as it relates to politics, the media, and the community in
    general.
17. 17. Identify employment opportunities and requirements in the criminal justice field.