Administration of Justice (AJ)

AJ 110 C  Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (UC/CSU, AS GE, CSU GE, IGETC, C-ID:AJ 110)

AJ 120 C Concepts of Criminal Law 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AJ 110 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. (UC/CSU, AS GE, CSU GE, IGETC, C-ID: AJ 120)

AJ 140 C Criminal Investigation 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. (CSU, C-ID:AJ 140)

AJ 160 C  Community and the Justice System 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.(UC/CSU, CSU GE, IGETC, SOC JUST, C-ID: AJ 160)