This fully online asynchronous course focuses on the interaction between mental health and the criminal justice system. Topics include rates of mental illness in the criminal justice system, civil commitment (inpatient and outpatient), competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, diversion programs, capital punishment, solitary confinement, mental health courts and providing mental health treatment in correctional settings. The course discusses potential ways to improve how the criminal justice system addresses people with mental disorders. Students will develop an understanding of how current problems in this area could be solved.
Included in this course are an instructor guide, course map, weekly overviews, journal assignments, discussion forum prompts, and a term-long final assessment. The course readings include an open textbook for each topic as well as short publically available videos and articles.
Accessibility Statement: This course pack includes the following known accessibility issues:
Some videos and audio files lack captions and transcripts
Attribution and Licensing:
Creator: Curated and Designed by Shanell Sanchez (Southern Oregon University)
Published: 9/25/2025
Relevance: Course based on CCJ 399: Mental Illness and Crime at Southern Oregon University
Level: Undergraduate
License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED
Recognize myths about the intersection of mental disorders and mental health and the criminal justice system.
Describe and explain the range of interactions and release options available to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders and mental health conditions within the criminal justice system with a particular focus on diverting these individuals from the criminal justice system for treatment.
Analyze the consequences of criminalizing mental disorders.
Develop and evaluate possible solutions that lead to well-grounded conclusions to improve the criminal justice system.
Additional Southern Oregon University Criminology and Criminal Justice Program Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the criminal justice system operates and will identify challenges facing the criminal justice system.
Students will analyze and communicate different issues of diversity and social justice concerning the workings of the criminal justice system and criminology to contribute and thrive within a demographically and culturally diverse environment.
Students will employ critical thinking skills through comprehensive exploration of issues and ideas before accepting or formulating an opinion when evaluating issues in criminology and criminal justice.
Students will apply the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make a difference in the civic life of our communities.