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Overview

Upon completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of criminology. You will be able to describe its history and distinguish between the various theories and schools of thought. Additionally, you will be able to define and compare different types of crime and understand the appropriate methods of punishment for each. You will also gain knowledge about the history, structure, and function of the U.S. criminal justice system. Furthermore, you will be able to recall the history of corrections and probation, describe prison culture, and understand the evolution of the juvenile justice system. The course will also cover present-day controversies in criminal justice, including policing styles, Constitutional Law, and criminal sentencing, such as capital punishment. You will recognize the various levels of law enforcement, from local to state and federal, and understand their respective duties. Moreover, you will compare the organization of federal and state court systems and understand the relationship between them. You will be able to identify the function and jurisdiction of original, appellate, and Supreme Court systems. Additionally, you will define the roles of courtroom participants and explain courtroom processes. Lastly, you will recognize the various law types, including criminal, civil, public, and private, and evaluate different criminal trials in the U.S. Justice System.

Criminology is a multidisciplinary field that emerged in the late 19th century. Its primary focus is understanding the causes of crime and developing effective strategies for prevention and control. The classical theory posits that crime is a rational choice based on a cost-benefit analysis. The positivist theory attributes crime to factors beyond an individual's control, such as poverty and mental illness. The social control theory suggests that inadequate socialization leads to criminal behavior. In the 20th century, criminologists shifted their focus to crime control strategies. These include deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and community-based corrections. Deterrence aims to prevent crime by instilling fear of punishment. Incapacitation keeps criminals in prison to prevent further offenses. Rehabilitation seeks to change behavior and reduce recidivism. Community-based corrections aim to rehabilitate offenders in the community. Criminology remains a dynamic field, with ongoing research and the development of new strategies for crime prevention and control.

1. Criminology: Overview & History of the Field.

2. What is Criminology? - Definition, History & Theories.

3. Crime: Definition & Types.

4. General Categories of Crime.

5. Legal Characteristics & General Features.

6. History & Trends of Crime in the United States.

7. Crime Measurements Programs: History & Nature.

8. How Demographics Contribute to Crime.

9. The Relationships Between Crime & Punishment.

10. Cesare Beccaria’s “On Crime and Punishments” and the Rise of

Utilitarianism.

11. Positivist Criminology: Definition & Theory.

The rational choice theory of criminology posits that crime is a result of rational decision-making, where individuals weigh the costs and benefits before engaging in criminal behavior. This theory suggests that criminals are rational actors who act in their own self-interest. While it has been criticized for oversimplifying crime and neglecting social factors, it has also been commended for its ability to explain various criminal behaviors. The theory has been applied to understand burglary, robbery, drug use, and the varying likelihood of individuals to commit crimes. Critics argue that the theory disregards the influence of emotions and social factors, such as anger, greed, poverty, and education. Nonetheless, the rational choice theory has had a significant impact on criminology, shaping crime prevention strategies and informing criminal justice policies.

1. The Classical School of Criminology & Its influence Today.

2. The Rational Choice Theory of Criminology.

3. The Crime Control & Due Process Models of Criminology.

4. The Positivist School of Criminology.

5. Biological Theories of Crime: Overview & Features.

6. Individual Traits Theory of Criminology

7. Psychological Theories of Crime: Assumptions & Weaknesses.

8. Sociological Theories of Crime: Overview & Features.

9. The Chicago School’s Social Disorganizations Theory.

10. Labeling Theory and Crime: Stigma & Retrospective and Projective

Labeling.

11. The Social Control Theory of Criminology: Origins & Development.

12. The Social Learning Theory of Crime.

Crimes against persons involve harm to individuals, either physically or emotionally. Examples include murder, assault, battery, rape, and kidnapping. Crimes against property involve damage or theft of belongings, such as burglary, larceny, vandalism, and arson. Crimes against morality encompass actions considered morally wrong but not necessarily illegal, like prostitution, gambling, and drug use. White collar crime refers to illegal acts committed by individuals in positions of power or trust, such as embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering. Organized crime involves criminal activities carried out by a group, such as drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. Terrorism entails the use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals, such as bombings, shootings, and assassinations. Cyber crime refers to crimes committed using computers or the internet, including hacking, phishing, and identity theft.

1. Crimes Against Persons: Definitions & Examples.

2. Crimes Against Property: Definitions, Cases & Examples.

3. Crimes Against Morality: Definitions & Examples.

4. What Is White Collar Crime? - Definitions, Statistics & Examples.

5. What is Organized Crime? - Definition, Statistics & Examples.

6. What is Terrorism? - Definitions, History, Types & Examples.

7. What is Cyber Crime? - Definitions, Types & Examples.

Victimization refers to being a victim of a crime, which can have a profound impact on the victim's physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The cost of victimization includes both direct and indirect expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost productivity, and fear of crime. In criminal justice, victimization concepts include victim precipitation, where the victim may have contributed to the crime, victim blaming, which places blame on the victim, and victimology, the study of crime victims. The cost of victimization can be measured by looking at reported crimes, the number of crime victims, and the expenses of the criminal justice system. Understanding victimization and its costs is crucial for developing effective crime prevention strategies and supporting victims.

1. The concepts & Cost of Victimization in Criminal Justice

2. Understanding Victimization Risk: Lifestyle Factors & Routine Activities

3. The Office for Victims of Crime: History, Role & Purpose.

The U.S. criminal justice system has a long and complex history, marked by significant changes and advancements. It is designed to encompass a range of procedures, including investigation, arrest, trial, and sentencing. The primary objective of the system is to uphold fairness and equality in the dispensation of justice, while also safeguarding the rights of both the accused and the victim. Over the years, the role of the victim in criminal justice proceedings has evolved, with a greater recognition of their rights and increased involvement in the process.

1. The History & Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System.

2. The U.S. Criminal Justice Process: Definitions & Steps.

3. Criminal Justice & Social Justice: The Issues of Equity & Fairness.

4. Victim's Rights & Criminal Justice: History & Victim's Role. 

The American court system is a complex institution with roots in English common law. It is divided into two main branches: the federal court system and the state court system. The federal court system consists of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the District Courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court and has final authority. The Court of Appeals hears appeals, while the District Courts handle trials. The state court system varies by state but generally follows a three-tiered structure. Each state has a Supreme Court and multiple levels of trial courts. The American court system ensures fair and impartial justice for all citizens and is crucial to our democracy.

1. American Courts: History, Development & The Dual-Court Systems.

2. The Court System: Trial, Appellate & Supreme Court.

3. The 3 Levels of the Federal Court Systems: Structure and

Organization.

4. Overview of the U.S. Supreme Court.

5. State Court System: Structure & Overview.

6. Long Arm Statute: Definition & Example.

7. Court Functions: Original and Appellate Jurisdiction.

8. Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Federal, State and Concurrent.

9. Jurisdiction over Property: Definition & Types.

10. What is the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

11. How Venue is Determined for a Court Case.

12. Courtroom Participants: Professional & Non-Professional Members.

The First Amendment protects commercial speech, subject to scrutiny and restrictions. The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable search and seizure. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments encompass due process and equal protection clauses. The Ninth Amendment safeguards rights retained by the people. These amendments are rooted in English Common Law and delineate the division of powers between the national government and the states. Miranda v. Arizona is a notable case that pertains to these amendments.

1. American Law: History & Origins from English Common Law

2. Division of Powers Between the National Government and the States.

3. The First Amendment: Commercial Speech, Scrutiny & Restrictions.

4. The Fourth Amendment: Search & Seizure.

5. Due Process & Taking the Fifth & Fourteenth Amendments.

6. Ninth Amendment: Rights Retained by People.

7. Miranda v. Arizona: Summary, Facts & Significance.

Law in the U.S. has its roots in English common law and the Constitution. The principle of the rule of law dictates that all individuals, including government officials, must adhere to the law. Criminal law focuses on crimes and their corresponding penalties, while civil law addresses disputes between individuals or organizations. Public law pertains to the government's interactions with its citizens, while private law governs relationships between individuals or organizations. Substantive law establishes and defines legal rights and obligations, while procedural law outlines the procedures for enforcing those rights and obligations.

1. The Nature and Purpose of Criminal Law.

2. What is the Rule of Law? - Definition & Principles.

3. Public Law vs. Private Law: Definitions and Differences.

4. Criminal Law vs Civil Law: Definitions and Differences.

5. Substantive Law vs. Procedural Law: Definitions and Differences.

A criminal trial is a legal process that determines guilt or innocence. Constitutional requirements include a fair jury, an attorney, and presumption of innocence. Habeas corpus and reasonable doubt are crucial. Pretrial activities shape the trial's outcome. Stages include jury selection, opening statements, evidence presentation, closing arguments, and the verdict. Defenses include alibi, self-defense, and insanity. Post-trial steps include appeals and reviews. The process is complex and requires attention to detail for a fair outcome.

1. Elements & Purpose of the Criminal Trial.

2. Constitutional Requirements of a Criminal Trial.

3. Writ of Habeas Corpus & Reasonable Doubt in a Criminal Trial.

4. Pretrial Activities of a Criminal Trial: Steps, Purposes & Importance.

5. Stages of the Criminal Trial: From Voir Dire to Verdict.

6. Types of Defense Against a Criminal Charge.

7. Criminal Trial Post-Trial Steps: Appeals, Reviews & Process.

Criminal sentencing approaches can be categorized into traditional and alternative methods. Traditional approaches encompass structured sentencing, intermittent sentencing, and intermediate sanctions. Structured sentencing involves predetermined sentences for specific crimes, while intermittent sentencing allows offenders to serve time on weekends or during specific hours. Intermediate sanctions include house arrest and electronic monitoring. On the other hand, alternative approaches include community service, rehabilitation programs, and restorative justice. Arguments in favor of capital punishment include deterrence and retribution, while arguments against it highlight the possibility of executing innocent individuals and the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness in deterring crime. It is important to note that the U.S. justice system is continuously evolving in terms of sentencing issues and trends.

1. Types & Goals of Contemporary Criminal Sentencing.

2. Traditional & Alternative Criminal Sentencing Options.

3. Structured Criminal Sentencing: Definition, Types & Models.

4. Intermittent Criminal Sentencing: Definition, Purpose &

Advantages.

5. Intermediate Sanctions: Definition, Purpose & Advantages.

6. Arguments For and Against Capital Punishment.

7. Sentencing Issues and Trends in the U.S. Justice System.

Federal criminal justice agencies in the United States have distinct roles and responsibilities. The U.S. Attorney General oversees these agencies and enforces federal law. The U.S. Marshals Service protects federal judges and transports prisoners. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) enforces federal firearms laws, while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) combats drug trafficking. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates federal crimes and threats to national security. INTERPOL Washington serves as the U.S. representative to INTERPOL, the global police organization. The Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) focuses on preventing and addressing juvenile delinquency. The Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, & Tracking (SMART) manages sex offender registration and monitoring. The National Security Division (NSD) coordinates national security matters within the Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division oversees all federal criminal prosecutions.

1. The U.S. Attorney Generals: History, Role & Purpose.

2. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF): History,

Role & Purpose.

3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): History, Role & Purpose.

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): History, Role & Purpose.

5. INTERPOL Washington: History, Role & Purpose.

6. Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP):

History, Role & Purpose.

7. Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending,

Registering, & Tracking (SMART): History, Role & Purpose.

8. U.S. Marshals Service: History, Role & Purpose.

9. National Security Division (NSD): History, Role & Purpose.

10. The U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division: History, Role &

Purpose.

The history of policing in the U.S. has shaped the role of police departments in a democracy. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies each have distinct duties to ensure public safety. Federal agencies have specific responsibilities, while state agencies have different roles and models. Local agencies vary in types, agencies, and roles. Private law enforcement agencies also have different types, functions, and roles. Future technological tools are expected to greatly impact law enforcement.

1. The History & Impact of Policing in America.

2. Role of Police in Democratic Societies.

3. Public Law Enforcement: Levels & Agencies.

4. Federal Law Enforcement: Agencies & Responsibilities.

5. State Law Enforcement: Agencies, Roles & Models.

6. Local Law Enforcement: Types, Agencies & Roles.

7. Private Law Enforcement: Types, Functions & Roles.

8. Future Law Enforcement Technological Tools.

Policing styles can be categorized into three types: watchman, legalistic, and service. Each style has its own approach to policing. Ethics and professionalism are vital in policing. Police officers must exercise discretion and adhere to ethical standards. Police management and department organization are crucial for effective policing. Legal restraints limit police actions. The arrest process involves multiple steps and definitions. Police intelligence, interrogations, and Miranda warnings are important aspects of policing. Police corruption takes many forms. The use of force by police officers requires guidelines and situational awareness. Racial profiling and biased policing negatively impact communities. Legal issues like civil liabilities and lawsuits pose challenges for police departments.

1. Watchman, Legalistic & Service Policing Styles.

2. Ethics, Discretion & Professionalism in Policing.

3. Police Management & Police Department Organization.

4. Legal Restraints on Police Actions.

5. The Arrest Process: Definitions & Steps.

6. Police Intelligence, Interrogations & Miranda Warnings.

7. Police Corruption: Definition, Types & Improvement Methods.

8. Police Use of Force & Excessive Force: Situations & Guidelines.

9. Racial Profiling & Biased Policing: Definition & Impact.

10. Legal Issues Facing Police: Civil Liabilities & Lawsuits.

The history of corrections has shaped modern concepts. Probation and parole have been developed with their own overview, history, and purposes. Prisons have distinct characteristics, a purpose, and a history, while jails in the U.S. play a specific role and face administrative issues. Custody and security are crucial in correctional facilities. Prison subculture is rooted in the deprivation model, and U.S. inmate populations exhibit specific characteristics. Men's and women's prisons differ. Prison riots have identifiable causes and stages. Prisoners' rights are legally protected through court precedent. Prisons today face significant problems, issues, and trends.

1. History of Corrections & its Impact on Modern Concepts.

2. Probation & Parole: Overview, History & Purposes.

3. Prisons: History, Characteristics, Purpose.

4. Jails in the U.S.: Role & Administrative Issues.

5. Custody & Security in Correctional Facilities.

6. Prison Subculture & the Deprivation Model.

7. Prisoners: Characteristics of U.S. Inmate Populations.

8. Differences Between Men’s & Women’s Prisons.

9. The Causes & Stages of Prison Riots.

10. Prisoner’s Rights: Legal Aspects & Court Precedent.

11. Major Problems, Issues & Trends Facing Prisons Today.

The juvenile justice system has evolved over time, with specialized juvenile courts now handling cases involving minors. Landmark Supreme Court decisions, like In re Gault, have granted juveniles the right to due process. Unlike the adult system, the focus of the juvenile system is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Juvenile disposition considers the minor's age, background, and offense. Juveniles have legal rights, including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. Alternative correction methods, like community service and counseling, offer advantages over traditional juvenile corrections.

1. History & Evolution of the Juvenile Justice System.

2. The Juvenile Court System: History & Structure.

3. Major U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Impacting the Juvenile Justice

System.

4. Comparison of the Juvenile & Adult Systems of Justice.

5. Juvenile Disposition: Sentencing Process & Structures.

6. The Legal Rights of Juveniles.

7. Types & Benefits of Juvenile Correction Alternatives.