Syllabus | 9 Course Syllabus College of Criminal Justice and Security CJS/200 Version 6 Foundations of the Criminal Justice System Copyright © 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course is an introductory overview of the organization and jurisdictions of local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial and corrections agencies, and processes involved in the criminal justice systems. It examines the historical aspects of the police, the courts, and the correctional system, as well as the philosophy. Additionally, career opportunities and qualifying requirements, terminology, and constitutional limitations of the system will also be covered. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: · University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. · Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal justice today: An introductory text for the twenty-first century (11th ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: The Criminal Justice System Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Define crime and its relationship to law. 1.2 Describe the two most common models of how society determines which acts are criminal. 1.3 Identify choice theories of crime and their underlying assumptions. 1.4 Identify instruments for measuring crime. Course Preparation Read the course description and objectives. Read the instructor’s biography and post your own. Reading Read Ch. 1 of Criminal Justice Today. Reading Read Ch. 2 of Criminal Justice Today. Reading Read Ch. 3 of Criminal Justice Today. Reading Read Ch. 4 of Criminal Justice Today. Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. 10 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. 10 Exercise APA Review Review the Tutorials and Guides section located in the Center for Writing Excellence website. Review the Samples section, specifically the APA Sample Paper. Review the APA Information section. CheckPoint Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you describe choice theories and how they relate to crime. Describe the common models for society to determine which acts are considered criminal. Explain how choice theories of crime affect society. Follow APA formatting standards. Follow essay and academic writing standards. Post your CheckPoint ...

1. Syllabus | 9
Course Syllabus
College of Criminal Justice and Security
CJS/200 Version 6
Foundations of the Criminal Justice System
Copyright © 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 by University of Phoenix.
All rights reserved.
Course Description
This course is an introductory overview of the organization and
jurisdictions of local, state, and federal law enforcement,
judicial and corrections agencies, and processes involved in the
criminal justice systems. It examines the historical aspects of
the police, the courts, and the correctional system, as well as
the philosophy. Additionally, career opportunities and
qualifying requirements, terminology, and constitutional
limitations of the system will also be covered.
Policies
Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for
understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the
following two documents:
· University policies: You must be logged into the student
website to view this document.
· Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course
Materials forum.
University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the
policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly

2. different depending on the modality in which you attend class.
If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies
governing your current class modality.
Course Materials
Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal justice today: An introductory
text for the twenty-first century (11th ed.).Upper Saddle River,
NJ. Pearson Prentice Hall.
All electronic materials are available on the student website.
Week One: The Criminal Justice System
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.1 Define crime and its relationship to law.
1.2 Describe the two most common models of how society
determines which acts are criminal.
1.3 Identify choice theories of crime and their underlying
assumptions.
1.4 Identify instruments for measuring crime.
Course Preparation
Read the course description and objectives.
Read the instructor’s biography and post your own.
Reading
Read Ch. 1 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 2 of Criminal Justice Today.

3. Reading
Read Ch. 3 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 4 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation
Participate in class discussion.
10
Discussion Questions
Respond to weekly discussion questions.
10
Exercise
APA Review
Review the Tutorials and Guides section located in the Center
for Writing Excellence website.
Review the Samples section, specifically the APA Sample
Paper.
Review the APA Information section.
CheckPoint
Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you describe choice
theories and how they relate to crime.

4. Describe the common models for society to determine which
acts are considered criminal.
Explain how choice theories of crime affect society.
Follow APA formatting standards.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment.
Post the Certificate of Originality as an attachment
Due Day Five (5)
30
Week Two: The Criminal Justice System
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.5 Describe governmental structure and its relationship to
criminal justice.
1.6 Describe the components of the criminal justice system and
the criminal justice process.
1.7 Explain the differences between major crime-reporting
programs in the United States.
1.8 Describe crime rates, arrest rates, and clearance rates in the
United States.
Exercise
CJi Interactive
Complete the following learning modules in CJi Interactive
located on the student website:
· Ch. 1: The Criminal Justice System
· Criminal Justice Goals
· Criminal Justice Process
· Due Process vs. Crime Control

5. · Ch. 2: Defining and Measuring Crime
· Defining Crime
· How Crimes are Measured
· Violent Crime
· Property Crime
· White Collar and Organized Crime
View the following videos in CJi Interactive located on the
student website:
· Ch. 1: The Criminal Justice System
· Myth v. Reality: Crime has been Steadily Increasing
· Issue 1: Is the Criminal Justice System Really a System
· Ch. 2: Defining and Measuring Crime
· Myth v. Reality: Street Crime is More Costly to Society than
White-Collar Crime
· Issue 1: Crime v. Deviance
· Issue 2: Full Law Enforcement: Actuality or Imagination?
Complete the following simulations in CJi Interactive located
on the student website:
· Ch. 1: The Criminal Justice System
· The Criminal Justice Funnel
· Ch. 2: Defining and Measuring Crime
· The Extent of Crime

6. CheckPoint
Crime Reporting and Rates Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you address the
following questions:
· What is the purpose of major crime-reporting programs? What
makes a successful crime-reporting program in the United
States?
· How do crime rates relate to arrest rates and clearance rates?
Is there a way to improve the correlation between crime rates,
arrest rates, and clearance rates in the effort to combat criminal
activity?
Follow APA formatting standards.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your response as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment
Due Day Five (5)
30
Individual
Criminal Justice System Paper
Write a 500- to 800-word paper in which you explain the
components of the criminal justice system and the criminal
justice process.
Include how the structure of the government relates to the
criminal justice system.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your paper as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Seven (7)

7. 100
Week Three: The Police: History and Agencies
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.9 Describe the historical development of police agencies and
their jurisdiction.
1.10 List five main types of law enforcement agencies and the
various agencies under the control of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
1.11 List three primary purposes of police patrol.
Reading
Read Ch. 5 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 6 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 7 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 8 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation

8. Participate in class discussion.
10
Discussion Questions
Respond to weekly discussion questions.
10
Week Four: Law Enforcement in Today’s Society
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.12 Outline four major sources that may provide probable
cause.
1.13 Describe the role of the police in contemporary society and
in community policing.
1.14 Explain the issues facing police departments in today's
society.
Exercise
CJi Interactive
Complete the following learning modules in CJi Interactive
located on the student website:
· Ch. 5: The Police: History, Structure, and Functions
· History and Professionalism of the Police
· Modern American Policing Eras
· Levels of Law Enforcement
· Police Roles and Functions
· Police Organization

9. · Policing Styles
View the following videos in CJi Interactive located on the
student website:
· Ch. 5: The Police: History, Structure, and Functions
· Myth v. Reality: CSI Solves Another One
· Issue 1: Women and Minorities in Law Enforcement
· Issue 2: Who do the Police Represent?
Complete the following simulation in CJi Interactive located on
the student website:
· Ch. 5: The Police: History, Structure, and Functions
· Policing Styles
CheckPoint
Police and Law Enforcement Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you address the
following questions:
· What is the role of police in society? What would happen if
the role of the police were lessened as it applies to the theory
and practice of community policing?
· How do daily issues such as probable cause affect police from
a legal standpoint? How can these issues be improved to aid
police organizations in combating crime?
Follow APA formatting standards.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your response as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.

10. Due Day Five (5)
30
Individual
Law Enforcement Today Paper
Write a 800- to 1,150-word paper in which you describe the
issues facing police departments in today’s society.
Include a description of how local, state, and federal law
enforcement agencies currently interact with the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Include suggestions for how the relationship between DHS and
police departments may be improved.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your paper as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Seven (7)
125
Week Five: Criminal Courts: History and Processes
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.15 Outline the dual court system in the United States.
1.16 Describe the historical development of U.S. courts.
1.17 Identify the steps involved in the pretrial criminal process.
1.18 List the six basic steps of an appeal.
Reading
Read Ch. 9 of Criminal Justice Today.

11. Reading
Read Ch. 10 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 11 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Review Ch. 7 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation
Participate in class discussion.
10
Discussion Questions
Respond to weekly discussion questions.
10
CheckPoint
Historical Development Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you describe the
historical development of the U.S. court system. Answer the
following questions in your response:
· How does the dual court system operate in the United States?
· How does the U.S. court system compare to court systems in
other countries?

12. Follow APA, essay, and academic writing standards.
Post your response as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Five (5)
30
Week Six: Criminal Courts: Players and Sentencing
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.19 Explain the differences among members of the courtroom
work group.
1.20 Explain how a prosecutor screens potential cases.
1.21 Compare and contrast the four basic philosophical reasons
for sentencing criminals.
1.22 Define the six forms of punishment.
Exercise
CJi Interactive
Complete the following learning modules in CJi Interactive
located on the student website:
· Ch. 8: The Courts: History, Structure, and Key Players
· History and Organization of the Courts
· The Trial Judge
· The Grand Jury
· Types of Witnesses
View the following videos in CJi Interactive located on the

13. student website:
· Ch. 8: The Courts: History, Structure, and Key Players
· Myth v. Reality: The Courtroom is a Level Playing Field
· Issue 1: Assembly Line Justice: The Affect of the Backlog of
Cases on the Courts
· Issue 2: Specialized Courts
Complete the following simulation in CJi Interactive located on
the student website:
· Ch. 8: The Courts: History, Structure, and Key Players
· State and Federal Court Systems
CheckPoint
Courtroom Players Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you address the
following questions:
· What is considered to be a courtroom work group?
· How does this courtroom work group interact on a daily basis?
· What is the role of the prosecutor?
· How does a prosecutor determine which cases to pursue?
· What would happen if the criteria for taking a case were more,
or less, stringent?
· What changes to the courtroom work group would you
recommend?
Follow APA, essay, and academic writing standards.
Post your response as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Five (5)

14. 30
Individual
Sentencing Paper
Write a 800- to 1,150-word paper in which you compare the five
philosophical reasons for sentencing criminals.
Include the following:
· An explanation of the six forms of punishment
· The relationship between sentencing and punishment in
today’s courts
· Recommendations for how to modify the sentencing process to
reduce recidivism rates
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your paper as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Seven (7)
125
Week Seven: Corrections, Part 1
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.23 Identify the four types of prisons.
1.24 Explain the concept of prison as a total institution.
1.25 Explain the justifications for community-based corrections
programs.
1.26 Summarize the distinction between jails and prisons and
indicate the importance of jails in the U.S. correctional system.

15. Reading
Read Ch. 12 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 13of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 14 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation
Participate in class discussion.
10
Discussion Questions
Respond to weekly discussion questions.
10
Exercise
CJi Interactive
Complete the following learning modules in CJi Interactive
located on the student website:
· Ch. 11: Corrections: History and Institutions
· History of Prisons
· Prisons and Jails
· Correctional System

16. View the following videos in CJi Interactive located on the
student website:
· Ch. 11: Corrections: History and Institutions
· Myth v. Reality: The Correctional System Rehabilitates
Offenders
· Issue 1: Prison: Public and Private
Complete the following simulation in CJi Interactive located on
the student website:
· Ch. 11: Corrections: History and Institutions
· Prison Operations
CheckPoint
Jails and Prisons Response
Write a 250- to 350-word response in which you describe the
distinctions between jails and prisons. Address the following in
your comparison:
· Identify the four types of prisons.
· Explain the concept of prison as a total institution.
· Explain why jails play an important role in the criminal justice
system.
Follow APA, essay, and academic writing standards.
Post your response as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Five (5)
30
Week Eight: Corrections, Part 2

17. Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.27 Explain some of the reasons for violent behavior in
prisons.
1.28 Describe the concepts on which parole is based and the
typical conditions that accompany parole.
1.29 Describe truth-in-sentencing laws and their goals.
CheckPoint
Violent Behavior Response
Write a 200- to 300-word response in which you describe some
of the reasons for violent behavior in prisons. Include the
following components:
· Violent behavior among prisoners
· Violent behavior between inmates and staff
· Strategies for responding to violent behavior
· How violent behavior affects incarceration length
Post your response as an attachment.
30
Individual
Parole and Truth-in-Sentencing Paper
Write a 500- to 800-word paper in which you describe the goals
and conditions of parole. Include the following components:
· The concepts on which parole is based
· Typical conditions that affect parole
· Goals of truth-in-sentencing laws
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

18. Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your paper as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Seven (7)
100
Week Nine: Special Issues
Details
Due
Points
Objectives
1.30 Define delinquency and status offenses.
1.31 Identify the four major differences between juvenile courts
and adult courts.
1.32 Identify the variables that correlate with juvenile crime
rates.
1.33 Distinguish cybercrime from traditional crime.
1.34 Explain the activities and purposes of most hackers.
Reading
Read Ch. 15 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read Ch. 18 of Criminal Justice Today.
Reading
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation

19. Participate in class discussion.
10
Capstone Discussion Question
Respond to the capstone discussion question.
· What is cybercrime? How has cybercrime contributed to the
overall rise in crime rates over the last 10 years? What
recommendations would you make to combat cybercrime and
crimes associated with cybercrime and hackers? How will
cybercrime affect the future of the criminal justice system?
· Due Day Two (2)
25
Exercise
CJi Interactive
Complete the following learning modules in CJi Interactive
located on the student website:
· Ch. 14: The Juvenile Justice System
· How Juveniles are Processed
· Difference between Adult and Juvenile Justice system
· History of the Juvenile Justice Court
· Juvenile’s Legal Rights
· Types of Juvenile Offenders
View the following videos in CJi Interactive located on the
student website:
· Ch. 14: The Juvenile Justice System
· Myth v. Reality: Juvenile Boot Camps are an Effective way of
Treating Offenders

20. · Issue 1: “Net Widening” with Regards to Juveniles
· Issue 2: Transfer of Juveniles to Criminal Court and Juveniles
in Adult Correctional Facilities
Final Project
Juvenile Crime Paper
Write a 1,250- to 1,500-word paper in which you address
juvenile crime issues in the criminal justice system. Include the
following components in your paper:
· The differences between a juvenile court and an adult court
· The definition of delinquency
· The definition of status offenses
· The variables that correlate with juvenile crime rates
Describe your recommendations for reducing juvenile crime.
Note: You should discuss the landmark Supreme Court
decisions that have impacted juvenile justice in your paper.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Follow essay and academic writing standards.
Post your paper as an attachment.
Post the certificate of originality as an attachment.
Due Day Seven (7)
225
Optional Discussion Questions
Week One Discussion Questions
· What is crime? What are the components of the criminal
justice system? How does crime relate to the law? What changes
would you recommend to better improve the criminal justice
process?

21. · What are the instruments for measuring crime? Who uses these
instruments? How is the collected data used to advance the fight
against crime?
Week Three Discussion Questions
· What is police jurisdiction? How has the historical
development of police agencies affected police jurisdiction?
What judgments can you make about police jurisdictions?
Where may police jurisdictions be in the next 10 to 20 years?
Explain.
· What is police patrol? Why are police patrols important in
communities? What changes would you recommend to current
police patrols to improve overall effectiveness?
Week Five Discussion Questions
· How would you define the pretrial criminal process? How does
the pretrial criminal process affect postarrest processes and
trials? Is there a better solution to the current process? Explain.
· What is an appeal? How does an appeal relate to the overall
criminal process? What would happen if appeals were
eliminated from the system?
Week Seven Discussion Questions
· How does each type of prison play a role in the criminal
justice system? How do the criteria of each type of prison affect
sentencing?
· How would you define corrections programs? How do
community-based corrections programs affect prisoners? What
would happen if corrections programs were not community-
based? Explain.

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