Criminal Justice
The Associate in Criminal Justice introduces the graduate to three facets of the Criminal Justice System (e.g., Police, Courts, and Corrections). This degree plan is broadly interdisciplinary in nature embracing the study of the humanities, law, and natural, behavioral, and social sciences. The curriculum seeks to balance theoretical inquiry with applied knowledge.
Graduation Requirements
ENGL 1110G Composition I with a C- or higher and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. A minimum of 15 of the 60 credits for the associate’s degree must be completed at SENMC.
CJUS 1110G Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credits (3)
This course provides an overall exploration of the historical development and structure of the United States criminal justice system, with emphasis on how the varied components of the justice system intertwine to protect and preserve individual rights. The course covers critical analysis of criminal justice processes and the ethical, legal, and political factors affecting the exercise of discretion by criminal justice professionals.
CJUS 1120 Criminal Law 3 Credits (3)
This course covers basic principles of substantive criminal law including elements of crimes against persons, property, public order, public morality, defenses to crimes, and parties to crime.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the concepts of substantive criminal liability in the United States, including actus reas, mens rea, causation, concurrence, and parties to crime.
- Define the differences between criminal law and civil law in the United States.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of legal terminology as it relates to criminal law.
- Identify the elements of crimes against persons, property, public order and the administration of justice, public morality, and the inchoate crimes.
- Describe the various defenses to crimes.
CJUS 1996 Topics in Criminal Justice 1-3 Credits
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Repeatable: under different topics for a maximum of 6 credits.
CJUS 2120 Criminal Courts and Procedure 3 Credits (3)
This course covers the structures and functions of American trial and appellate courts, including the roles of attorneys, judges, and other court personnel, the formal and informal process of applying constitutional law, rules of evidence, case law and an understanding of the logic used by the courts.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the application of the Constitutional Amendments that apply to criminal justice.
- Explain and describe the dual court system in the U.S. and how courts enforce the rule of law.
- Identify and list the duties and requirements of the courtroom workgroup.
- Describe courtroom procedures, rules of the court, and due process of law.
- Articulate basic knowledge of the U.S. criminal court system.
- Define legal terms.
- Explain the use of discretion in criminal procedure.
- Differentiate the role of courts of limited jurisdiction, courts of general jurisdiction, and the appellate courts in the processing of criminal cases.
CJUS 2140 Criminal Investigations 3 Credits (3)
This course introduces criminal investigations within the various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Emphasis is given to the theory, techniques, aids, technology, collection, and preservation procedures, which ensure the evidentiary integrity. Courtroom evidentiary procedures and techniques will be introduced.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify developments in investigation technology.
- Identify common types of criminal investigations and their key components.
- Apply proper crime scene investigative protocols.
- Explain proper evidentiary gathering and handing procedures, and utilize various interviewing techniques.
- Identify and compare different law enforcement agencies and the role they play in criminal investigations.
- Describe proper collection, evidence preservation, documentation, and court presentation.
- Develop effective search authorization.
CJUS 2150 Corrections System 3 Credits (3)
This course introduces the corrections system in the United States, including the processing of an offender in the system and the responsibilities and duties of correctional professionals. The course covers the historical development, theory, and practice, as well as the institutional and community-based alternatives available in the corrections process.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the purposes of the corrections system and the issues facing the corrections system.
- Explain the components of the corrections system and describe their functions.
- Compare and contrast the different forms of correction practices.
- Explain the goals of corrections, the different factors affecting the sentencing process, the legal rights of prisoners, and the issues concerning prison violence.
- Explain the impact of reentry into society.
- Identify the issues concerning capital punishment.
- Describe the effectiveness of various correction programs on offenders.
CJUS 2160 Field Experience in Criminal Justice 6 Credits (6)
This course is designed to provide actual experience working for a criminal justice agency and the opportunity to apply criminal justice concepts and theory to a field situation. Students already working in an agency will complete an approved learning project while on the job. Prerequisites: CJUS 1110G, prior arrangement and a GPA of 2.0 or better in major.
Learning Outcomes
- Obtain practical experience by observing, researching, and working in a criminal justice agency.
- Apply the knowledge of principles, theories, and methods that were learned in the classroom to situation in which field experience will be devoted.
- Instill an understanding for general and specific problems that criminal justice agencies encounter on a daily basis.
- Develop a professional work ethic and attitudes, including reliability, professional responsibility, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
CJUS 2220 The American Law Enforcement System 3 Credits (3)
This course covers the historical and philosophical foundations of law and order, with an in-depth examination of the various local, state, ad federal law enforcement agencies and how they interact within the criminal justice system.
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss, evaluate, and analyze the role of police in the democratic society today, and the historical development of modern day law enforcement
- Define and explain the different types of community policing and the valid reasons behind their application within a community
- List and discuss the ways to overcome the barriers to change within a police organization, good recruitment, screening, and retention of employees
- Analyze and discuss the history of and the different types of police patrol, as well as the use of force and deadly force, and methods used for controlling police behavior
- Describe and discuss the different types of police behavior, potential oversight, and remedy and their limitations
- List and discuss the benefits of higher and continued education, along with the minimum educational requirements for police officers
- Evaluate and discuss the reasons for police stress and the methods of dealing with stressors
- Interpret current court cases, both state and federal, that affect police procedures