Unless otherwise indicated, a grade of C or higher is required for all prerequisite courses.
This course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches used by the justice system and the changing forces which have shaped them. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal processes, and sentencing and incarceration policies. Discussion points will include components and characteristics of the criminal justice system, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to and measurement of crime, and current challenges to the system.