Social Sciences

Criminal Justice

Objectives:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of criminal justice.
2. Identify and understand the three components of the criminal justice system.
3. Distinguish between the functions of each component.
4. Understand how each component relies on, and interacts with, each other.
5. Understand the biological, psychological, environmental and cultural influences on behavior.

Department Faculty

Course Descriptions

View Schedule of Classes for Current Offerings

CRJ 100 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE: 3 credits
This course surveys the entire criminal justice process from law enforcement to the administration of justice through corrections. It discusses the history of the system and introduces various career opportunities.

CRJ 110 INTRODUCTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: 3 credits
This course examines the history and philosophy of law enforcement, as well as the organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal agencies. It includes the duties and functions of law enforcement officers.

CRJ 140 CRIMINAL LAW & PROCEDURE: 3 credits
This course examines both substantive and procedural law. The legal elements of various crimes are discussed, with attention to the Alabama Criminal Code. Areas of criminal procedure essential to the criminal justice professional are covered.

CRJ 146 CRIMINAL EVIDENCE: 3 credits
This course considers the origin of the law of evidence and the current rules of evidence. Types of evidence, their definitions and uses are covered, as well as the functions of the courts regarding evidence.

CRJ 147 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW:: 3 credits
This course involves constitutional law as it applies to criminal justice. It includes recent Supreme Court decisions affecting criminal justice professionals, such as right to counsel, search and seizure, due process and civil rights.

CRJ 150 INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS: 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and historical foundations of corrections in America. Incarceration and some of its alternatives are considered.

CRJ 156 CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS: 3 credits
This course examines correctional institutions and their functions. Topics covered include prison facilities, programs, and the effects of incarceration.

CRJ 157 COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTION: 3 credits
This course examines various forms of community corrections and alternative sentences. Probation, parole, halfway houses, work release, community service, electronic monitoring, and camps are among the programs considered.

CRJ 160 INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY: 3 credits
This course surveys the operation, organization and problems in providing safety and security to business enterprises. Private, retail, and industrial security is covered.

CRJ 160 INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY: 3 credits
This course surveys the operation, organization and problems in providing safety and security to business enterprises. Private, retail, and industrial security is covered.

CRJ 166 PRIVATE & RETAIL SECURITY: 3 credits
This course surveys the legal foundations, regulations, training and other issues in private security. Typical offenses, laws, and law enforcement strategies common in the field are covered. Methods of loss prevention are examined.

CRJ 216 POLICE ORGANIZATION & ADMINISTRATION: 3 credits
This course examines the principles of organization and administration of law enforcement agencies. Theories of management, budgeting, and various personnel issues are covered.

CRJ 238 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION: 3 credits
This course examines the fundamentals of crime scene investigation. Measuring and sketching the scene, photography, evidence collections and preservation, and courtroom procedures are considered.

CRJ 280 SEMINAR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE: 3 credits
This course involves practical experience with a criminal justice agency under faculty supervision. Permission of the instructor is required. This course may be repeated with the approval of the department head.

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