Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System is an introductory undergraduate course. Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System introduces students to the functional components of the United States Criminal Justice System, including law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. We will study the United States Criminal Justice System by examining the scope of individual rights versus public order. The system stresses the need to balance the protection of each individual’s constitutional rights with the protection of society as a whole. Ensuring the basic rights of individuals, while protecting society and public order requires a delicate balancing act. The study of criminal justice involves examining the processes by which the various components of the system interact to maintain the balance of rights and responsibilities. This course was designed using student-centered learning and culturally responsive teaching and incorporates open pedagogy by asking students to provide input and suggestions for improving the textbook. In addition, the course and materials were developed according to the principles of Universal Design and Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT).
 Included in this course are an Instructor Guide, Course Map, Syllabus, Sample Module, Rubrics, and weekly materials, including discussion prompts, Case Study assignments, and Weekly quizzes. The course readings include an open textbook for each topic.
Accessibility Statement: Some videos and audio files lack captions and transcripts
Attribution and Licensing:
Creator: Curated and Designed by Roxie Supplee (Central Oregon Community College)
Published: 12/09/2024
Relevance: Course based on Criminal Justice 100: Survey of Criminal Justice Systems at Central Oregon Community College
Level: Undergraduate
License: CC BY-NC-SAÂ
Ability to identify constitutional restrictions placed on law enforcement.Â
Familiarity with the organizational structure of police agencies and capability to define terms used in the process of justice, the court system and related agencies.Â
Awareness of trends in modern policing and methods applicable to improving the criminal justice system.Â
Increased definition of individual educational and employment objectives.Â
Instructors may contact Open Oregon Educational Resources (openoregon.org/contact/) for Answer Keys to the Quizzes included with the Weekly Course Materials.