Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the many facets of criminal law, criminal procedure, and the criminal justice system. Topics covered include: comparison of US and foreign criminal law and criminal justice systems; the 8th amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment; statutory definition of various crimes; justification and affirmative defenses; the 4th amendment’s prohibition of unreasonable search and seizures and the exclusionary rule; courtroom procedures and the role of prosecutor, defense attorney, judge and jury; basic rules of evidence in criminal cases; the juvenile justice system; and special issues pertaining to immigrants in the criminal justice system.