Criminal Justice Courses

An introduction to the criminal justice system in America. This course stresses the inter-relatedness of the three components-police, courts, and corrections. Included is a study of current national problems within the system with an examination of proposed changes. The course provides historical and philosophical insights into the system of criminal justice.

A study of criminal, common, and statutory law within the context of enforcement. Study includes substantive criminal law, its development, interpretation, and administration with emphasis on the criminal law and procedures in the state of Missouri.

This course examines the nature, location, and impact of crime in the United States by exploring a broad range of issues related to criminology. Topics focused on within the course include the historical foundations of crime, the theoretical underpinnings of criminality, how we measure criminal acts, the development of criminal careers, the various typologies of offenders and victims, and a critical analysis of public policies concerning crime control in society.

This course provides a basic knowledge of the correctional process as it proceeds from the time of arrest and incarceration, through the criminal justice system, and into the correctional institution or alternative program. It includes a description of various treatment modalities and philosophies.