CCJ 1020 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

College of Public Safety Administration

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2018 (550)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the philosophical and historical background of the United States Criminal Justice System. Discussed are the organization, operation and processes of the justice system and its components including police, courts and corrections. Students will identify and discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities in the law enforcement and correctional fields.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will analyze the origins of the American Criminal Justice System by:
    1. outlining the historical approach to creating the laws of the United States
    2. identifying the influence of English Common Law and the role of the Metropolitan Police of London.
    3. examining the impact of political, economic, cultural and social effects on the development of the United States Constitutional Law System.
  2. The student will describe the principles of criminology by:
    1. interpreting elements of crime.
    2. discussing the criminal justice system through the processes of detection, apprehension, prosecution and corrections.
    3. summarizing the major theoretical factors and forces assumed to cause crime.
    4. explaining the impact of crime on persons and property in the United States.
  3. The student will outline law enforcement administration by:
    1. differentiating between local, state and federal agencies.
    2. describing the various roles and functions of personnel who work in the police, courts and correctional areas.
    3. identifying problems that keep the criminal justice system from functioning effectively and efficiently.
  4. The student will explain issues and opportunities involving the relationship between criminal justice agencies and the public by:
    1. identifying community relations programs.
    2. identifying crime prevention techniques.
    3. discussing ethics and the impact of diverse cultures on the criminal justice system.
    4. summarizing the importance of establishing communication between the public and criminal justice agencies.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 70 % accuracy, demonstrate achievement of the above objectives through multiple-choice objective and short answer essay tests.

History of Changes

Revised 8/2/83 Revised 8/843 YR C&I Review 8/94 C&I 3/26/96; DBT 4/17/96Effective Session 19961 3 Year Review 2000. Online 2001. 3 Year Review 2004.mar 3 Year Review 2008. C&I Approval: 03/26/1996, BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2008 (400). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2018 (540).
C&I Approval: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550)

Related Programs

  1. Correctional Officer (to General AA) (CORR3SW-AR) (610) (Active)
  2. Correctional Officer (to Public Safety Administration BAS) (CORR2SW-AR) (610) (Active)
  3. Correctional Officer (to Public Safety AS) (CORRSW-AR) (610) (Active)
  4. Crime Scene Technology (CST-AS) (620) (Active)
  5. Digital Forensics and Computer Investigations (DIGFORN-AS) (620) (Active)
  6. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDLE) Law Enforcement Officer (to CJPSS-AS) (LEIC-AR) (635) (Active)
  7. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDLE) Law Enforcement Officer (to PSA-BAS) (LE2IC-AR) (635) (Active)
  8. Fundamentals of Criminal Justice Certificate (FCRIM-CT) (675) (Draft)
  9. Law Enforcement Officer Career Certificate/Academy (LAWSW-AR) (620) (Active)
  10. Public Safety (CJPSS-AS) (645) (Active)
  11. Public Safety Administration (PSA-TR) (670) (Active)