Description:

This capstone course for Administration of Justice majors assists students in preparing for a career in the field of criminal justice or an advanced program of study. The course is designed to integrate knowledge and skills acquired from prior ADMJ coursework. Additionally, students study concepts of ethics and professionalism as they relate to criminal justice professionals and the communities they serve. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the major components of the Criminal Justice System and discuss the role of each.
2. Explain the state and federal court systems and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in both systems.
3. Trace the historical development of law enforcement in the United States.
4. Define the term “criminology” and demonstrate an understanding of the work and viewpoints of criminologists.
5. Explain the causation of crime from a sociological perspective.
6. Explain the causation of crime from a psychological perspective.
7. Trace the historical development of the correctional system in the United States.
8. Describe the diverse careers available in criminal justice.
9. Demonstrate professionalism as it relates to criminal justice careers

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Components of the Criminal Justice System
   A. Explain the origins of American law.
   B. Describe various methods of measuring criminal behavior, listing the
pros and cons of each method.  
   C. Compare and contrast criminal and civil law.

II. The Court System
   A. Discuss the purpose and significance of the Bill of Rights.
   B. Define the concepts of legal precedent and stare decisis.
   C. Explain the importance of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and
Fourteenth Amendments as they apply to criminal justice.
   D. Evaluate the legal defenses against criminal responsibility.
   E. Distinguish between insanity and competency.
   F. Diagram the judicial process from pretrial to sentencing. 
   G. Trace an offender through the steps of each system.
   H. Describe the dual court system of the United States including the
structure of the federal court system and areas of jurisdiction.

III. Law Enforcement in the United States
   A. Explain the elements of crime.
   B. Define reasonable suspicion and probable cause.
   C. Identify the limits placed on police in searches, arrests, and
interrogations.
   D. Discuss the law enforcement challenges presented by special
populations; elderly, mentally challenged, and HIV+ inmates.
   E. Identify relevant issues of cultural diversity within law
enforcement.

IV. Criminology and the Criminologist
   A. Define criminology.
   B. Evaluate the role and function of the criminologist.
   C. Demonstrate an understanding of the social and environmental
conditions underlying and influencing different types of criminal
behavior.
   D. Trace the development of risk assessment instruments.
   E. Describe the role of psychology in the selection, training, and
retention of criminal justice personnel.
   F. Explain the causation of criminal behavior from psychological
perspectives.
   G. Explain the causation of criminal behavior from sociological
perspectives.
   H. Analyze the role of the forensic psychologist.
   I.Discuss cross-cultural perspectives of crime.

V. The Correctional System
   A. Differentiate the roles of probation and parole.
   B. List four goals of sentencing.
   C. Discuss jails and their function within the criminal justice
system.
   D. Explain the purpose of diversion and intermediate sanctions.
   E. Discuss the correctional challenges presented by special
populations: elderly, mentally challenged, and HIV+ inmates.
   F. Explain the various alternatives to incarceration for adult
offenders.  
   G. Discuss issues of cultural diversity within correctional settings.

VII. Careers in Criminal Justice
   A. Demonstrate an ability to write a variety of reports related to law
enforcement and corrections.
   1. Demonstrate the ability to hear/observe information and select
relevant information to translate into a narrative report.
      2. Demonstrate an ability to organize notes into a logical pattern.
   B. Observe criminal justice professionals in the work place (ie,
District Attorney, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Law Enforcement
Officer, etc.).
   C. Design and create an Electronic Portfolio.

VII. Ethics and Professionalism
   A. Discuss the fundamental professional principles commonly used in the
criminal justice community.
   B. Discuss the fundamental ethical principles commonly used in the
criminal justice community.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Student grades will be assessed in the following ways:
3 Exams						        40%
Assignments						30%
Class participation, group activities, field trips	30%

Exams will include questions of a factual, analytical and evaluative
nature.

In computing the grades, the following scale will be used:
  A = 90 – 100%  	 
  B = 80 –  89%		
  C = 70 –  79%		
  D = 60 -  69%		
  F =  0 –  59%		  

Caveats:

1. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.