Course Descriptions

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

A.J. 101:        “Introduction to the Administration of Justice”

This course provides a study of the history, characteristics and philosophy of the system of administration of criminal justice in the United States. It examines the major components and various sub-components; role expectations and their interrelationships; responses to crime: theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation; ethics; education and training for professionalism in the system; legal words and phrases as an aid in the communication process; examines crime measurement; evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped them; the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, sentencing and incarceration policies. While the justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U. S. justice, particularly the structure and function of the police, courts and corrections.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will understand the difference between the crime control model and the due process model.
  2. Students will understand the roles and responsibilities of both county and municipal law enforcement agencies.
  3. Students will give examples of the various defenses used to answer against charges of criminal conduct.
  4. Students will understand the differences between the status of probation and parole.
  5. Student will understand the differences between the operation of jails and prisons.


   

A.J. 102:        “Concepts of Criminal Law”

Required for all A.J. majors.  An excellent course for anyone desiring an introduction to criminal law This course provides an introduction to the historical development and philosophy of law and constitutional provisions; as well as crime definitions, classifications of crimes, common law versus statutory law, crimes against persons, property, morals and public welfare, the nature of acceptable evidence, legal research, legal methodology, and concepts of law as a social force. A brief analysis of criminal intent, parties to a crime, general elements of crime, corpus delicti, defenses to crimes and an introduction to laws of arrest will also be undertaken in this class.

Student Learning Outcomes 

  1. Students will differentiate between criminal law and civil law.
  2. Students will identify the three categories of crimes: Felony, Misdemeanor and infractions.
  3. Students will differentiate between a legal detention and arrest.
  4. Students will define the term “Probable Cause”.
  5. Students will explain when the Miranda Rights admonishment is legally required.

               

A.J. 103:        “Criminal Procedures”

This course provides a detailed examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents, including the California court system, jurisdiction and venue, laws of arrest, grand jury proceedings, extradition, pre-trial procedures, conduct of criminal trials, rights of the defendant, post-trial motions and appeals, probation and parole. It begins with a thorough study of the organization and jurisdiction of the criminal courts and then follows the processing of a criminal case from arrest through bail hearings, arraignments, selection and trial, to final judgment and sentencing.  A mock trial may be included as part of the course work. This course is required for all A.J. majors, and also satisfies requirements for pre-law, Para-legal, and Court Reporting majors.  It is also an excellent course for Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Education and Social Studies majors.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to identify four common motions in a court trial.
  2. Students will be able to name five commonly used court documents.
  3. Students will be able to differentiate between reasonable suspicion and probable cause.
  4. Students will be able to identify the elements of a legal arrest.
  5. Students will be able to identify the three forms of court jurisdiction.

 

A.J. 104:        “Criminal Evidence”

This course stresses the origin, development, philosophy, and constitutional basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations which affect arrest, search and seizure; kinds and degrees of evidence; the rules governing the admissibility of evidence; and judicial decisions relating to individual rights. A detailed examination of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment Constitutional rules relating to search and seizure, search warrants, the exclusionary rule, and the admissibility of evidence in court. It is recommended for paralegals, pre-law students, and others in related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will understand the definition of evidence.
  2. Students will understand the difference between circumstantial evidence and direct evidence.
  3. Students will understand what is meant by the phrase “Privileged Communication” and how it applies in a court of law.
  4. Students will understand what is meant by the “Exclusionary Rule” and how it applies in court.
  5. Students will understand what is meant by the phrase, “Burden of Proof” as it applies in a court of law.

 

A.J. 105:        “Community Relations/Multi-Cultural Issues”

This course provides a study of the complex and dynamic relationships between criminal justice agencies and the changing, diverse communities they serve while addressing crime and conflicts in society. An emphasis will be placed on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. The course will also focus on the ethics, politics and conflicting values in culture, religion and law. The ethnic and cultural diversity of our communities is examined as it affects criminal justice, and particularly law enforcement.  Guest lecturers representing a variety of backgrounds are invited to participate in this class.  The course also has value for anyone concerned with community safety.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to differentiate between racial profiling and behavior-based profiling by law enforcement officers.
  2. Students will be able to understand the impact of language barriers in everyday law enforcement situations.
  3. Students will understand the various hate crime prosecution challenges.
  4. Students will identify the Equal Employment Opportunity laws pertaining to discrimination.
  5. Students will identify the law enforcement challenges presented by working in a multicultural society

 

A.J. 107:        “Introduction to Corrections, Probation and Parole”

This introductory course provides a history, philosophy and critical analysis of punishment, alternatives to punishment and the impact of punishment on the Criminal Justice System, corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution and an examination of contemporary correctional issues. The course explains the principles of parole and probation as a governmental function at the federal, state, and local levels and is designed to show the relationship between the criminal justice system components. Custody and treatment practices of federal, state and local jails and prisons are examined, as well as, the policies and objectives of community-based corrections, probation and parole.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to distinguish between the status of parole and probation.
  2. Students will be able to identify some of the prisoner’s rights while incarcerated.
  3. Students will identify the hiring qualifications for both parole and probation officers.
  4. Students will define the various results of a parole or probation violation.
  5. Students will identify the various methods of parole and probation supervision.

 

A.J. 110:        “Patrol Procedures & Enforcement Tactics”

This course explores the theories, philosophies and operational concepts of Law Enforcement Field Services, and examines the role expectations of the police field officer. Emphasis is placed upon patrol, traffic and public service responsibilities and their relationship to the total criminal justice system. An examination of the theories and operational procedures of police field patrol services. Provides an understanding of selective enforcement policies, pro-active law enforcement strategies, officer safety, and the operational procedures used in responding to typical police patrol situations. Issues related to the handling of felony crimes in progress, disasters and responses to terrorist attacks are emphasized.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will define the basic objectives of police patrol
  2. Students will explain what Community-Policing is and how it functions.
  3. Students will define the various types of patrol methods.
  4. Students will explain the difference between the terms “Reasonable Suspicion” and “Probable Cause”.
  5. Students will understand the procedures on how to conduct a preliminary crime investigation.

 

A.J. 113:          “Report Writing”

This course includes the procedures and practices commonly used to gather data and prepare a variety of police records. Emphasis will be placed upon the need to use correct spelling sentence structure, punctuation and vocabulary in criminal justice reports to meet statistical, legal and prosecution requirements of the criminal justice system. Superior writing ability is one of the key ingredients for success as a law enforcement officer.  Over 60% of an officer’s daily routine is devoted to writing crime reports, arrest reports, complex investigation reports, and other types of written communication.  This course provides practical exercises to develop general writing skills and to apply those skills specifically to police report writing.

Student Learning Outcomes 

  1. Students will identify the purpose and various uses of a police report.
  2. Students will identify commonly used techniques for interviewing victims of a crime.
  3. Students will utilize a commonly used format for writing a police report.
  4. Students will identify the criminal elements for some of the most commonly committed crimes.
  5. Students will identify common practice for the identification and collection of evidence.

 

A.J. 173:         “A J Work Experience”

Three units of Administration of Justice Occupational Work Experience require 180 non-paid hours of work or 225 paid hours of work per semester. Work experience provides the opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to exacting experiences in the workplace. The aim of the course is to assist students in becoming more productive workers. In the process of doing so, it creates greater communication with increased understanding between the student/trainees and the college. First-semester students meet with their instructors for a minimum of one hour per week. Students also pursue a program of self-evaluation to determine individual job weaknesses and strengths. Semester projects that relate to their major and job skills must be completed on the job/training site. Second-, third-, and fourth-semester students must meet weekly with the instructor until their participatory assignments and semester work projects have been approved. Work experience courses may be taken for a maximum of 8 units per semester. The total work experience units taken by a student may not exceed 16 units.

Student learning outcomes

  1. Students will identify the job description and job related tasks for the internship position
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to perform job related tasks required in the internship
  3. Students will identify career goals and explain how the internship experience relates to those goals

 

A.J. 202:        “Substantive Criminal Law”

This course is a study of the substantive criminal laws commonly enforced by municipal, county or state police officers, or other criminal justice investigators. The course provides a complete analysis of both statutory laws case decisions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to identify the elements to the crime of rape.
Students will be able to identify the elements to the crime of battery.
Students will be able to identify the elements to the crime of theft.
Students will be able to identify the elements to the crime of burglary.
Students will be able to identify the elements to the crime of murder.

 

A.J. 208:        “Special Issues In Law Enforcement”

This course provides instruction in special issues critical to effective service by law enforcement professionals in modern society. Topics to be covered will include police as professionals; defining and applying values, principles, and moral standards to law enforcement; police and the community; tactical communication; correctly utilizing information systems in police work; and dealing effectively with persons with disabilities. Current topics and issues such as terrorism, street gangs and prison gangs are a major emphasis in this course.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will identify the history and development of the American Criminal Justice System.
  2. Students will identify various human trafficking patterns.
  3. Students will distinguish between law enforcement informational systems.
  4. Students will identify various terrorists’ organizations
  5. Students will identify federal agencies that provide security to the United States

 

A.J. 220:        “Criminal Investigations”

This course stresses the fundamental techniques, procedures and ethical issues of investigations, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene search, recording, collection and preservation of physical evidence, scientific aids and analysis to investigations, the role of the investigator, modus operandi, sources of information, interviews and interrogation, utility of evidence, follow-up investigation and case preparation. An introduction to organizing, managing, and conducting criminal investigations.  Develops analytical skills and provides a broad understanding of investigative techniques. Includes practical lab work in fingerprinting, evidence processing, and a mock investigation. A great class for armchair detectives, journalists, writers, lawyers and others in related fields. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will identify the steps investigators take in processing a major crime scene.
  2. Students will articulate the distinction between circumstantial and direct evidence.
  3. Students will cite the type of information that is included in the preliminary investigation report.
  4. Students will identify the role of first responders at a crime scene.
  5. Students will describe crime scene search techniques.

 

A.J. 221:        “Narcotics and Vice Control”

This course is an introduction to the fields of narcotics and vice investigation. It examines the detection, suppression, apprehension and prosecution of narcotics and vice law violators. Field identification of controlled substances and their effects on the body are stressed. Laws relating to bookmaking, gambling, prostitution, pornography and morals offenses are also covered. The emphasis is on narcotics violations and includes drug and drug paraphernalia identification, as well as, the causes, symptoms, effects and treatment of drug abuse.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able identify the elements of specific drug laws.
  2. Students will differentiate between the various drug classifications.
  3. Students will identify the elements of prostitution, illegal gambling, and alcohol relate crimes
  4. Students will be able to identify the objective symptoms of drug intoxication
  5. Students will be able to identify the objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication

 

A.J. 222:        “Juvenile Procedures”

This course emphasizes the origin, development, organization, functions, and jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice System in America; the theories that focus on Juvenile Law, processes and detention of juveniles; constitutional protections extended to juveniles; case disposition, juvenile statutes and court procedures relative to juvenile offenders in the American Justice System. An examination of the laws relating to juvenile offenders and the processing of juvenile cases by police officers, probation departments, juvenile courts and the California Youth Authority. Laws and procedures regarding child abuse are covered in detail. In addition to AJ majors this course is of great value to anyone pursuing a career in education or social work.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to identify the legal concepts of Loco Parents, Parens Patriae and Age of Responsibility
  2. Students will understand the difference between a status offender and a juvenile delinquent.
  3. Students will describe the role of an intake officer.
  4. Students will be able to identify the signs of physically and emotionally abused of minors.
  5. Students will be able to identify the signs of child sexual abuse.