Online Students will abide by the Course Calendar for due dates for all assignments/exams.

Classroom Students will turn in assignments on the assigned due date. The course calendar is considered adjustable and may be revised during any class period. All students will be informed during class of any calendar revisions. It is the responsibility of any absent student to inquire about calendar revisions.

Students absent 3 or more class periods can be dropped from the course or receive a final grade of “F”.

Withdrawal Policy:  Any student may be dropped from the course by the instructor for unsatisfactory attendance and/or academic progress in the course. 

NOTE:  IT SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE INSTRUCTOR’S TO DROP A COURSE.  A STUDENT THAT QUITS COMING TO CLASS AND FAILS TO DROP A COURSE IS SUBJECT TO RECEIVING A PERMANENT FINAL GRADE OF “F”.

Classroom Projects:  A number of unannounced “in-class” written projects will be given requiring analytical skills and knowledge of basic theories of crime causation and prevention.  The grades for these projects will be averaged and will then count as one major exam grade.   NOTE: IN ORDER TO OBTAIN CREDIT FOR THESE PROJECTS, THE STUDENT MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE ON THE DAYS THE CLASS ASSIGNMENT IS GIVEN. No Make-ups.

Electronic devices and Cell phone use during class time is prohibited. Students utilizing electronic devices during class period will receive a grade of zero for assignments or exams taken during the period. Also, any student who uses an electronic device in class can be removed from class which will count as an absence. For any anticipated emergencies students must inform the instructor and receive prior permission for using the electronic device.

There is no make-up or extra credit available.

The required text for this course is the current edition of   Criminal Justice, A Brief Introduction, 
Author Frank Schmalleger                            

This course covers the history and philosophy of criminal justice and ethical considerations; crime defined: its nature and impact; overview of criminal justice system; law enforcement; court system; prosecution and defense; trial process; and corrections.

Lecture and discussion topics include:

• Crime In America
• Policing
• Adjudication
• Corrections
• The Juvenile Justice System

HISTORY OF POLICING

UNIT GOAL:  2.1               The student will understand and appreciate the history of policing.

• Describe and identify significant historical events that have influenced current trends in policing.

• Describe the origin and the evolution of policing in Texas.

• Identify the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) history and role in Texas law enforcement.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

UNIT GOAL:  5.1               The student will understand and appreciate the specific roles and inter-relationships of the various components within the Criminal Justice System.

• Outline the structure and role of the Criminal Justice System.

• Explain how the three components of the criminal justice system directly impact each other.

• Identify the differences between civil and criminal law.
   
• Identify the civil/criminal courts and their jurisdiction.