CJ320 - The Courts
Criminal Justice
T. Elizabeth Stetson, JD Contact - Vita
None
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:
This course is an introduction to how this nation’s court system works to administer justice.
The course examines the various roles of the court system participants. The course examines all
stages of the court proceedings. It is not designed for those planning a career as an attorney,
but rather is designed for those planning a career as a criminal justice professional.
1. Readings. The required text is America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice
System, Seventh Edition, by David W. Neubauer. The text is published by West/
Wadsworth Publishing Company. ISBN #: 0534563406.
2. Exams/Papers. Students will be required to complete one exam/paper for each of
the eighteen chapters of the text. The exam/paper will consist of essay questions pertaining to
the text.
3. Class Project. Students will be required to complete a number of class projects.
The projects will entail viewing assigned material and preparing papers regarding the material.
4. Grades. Course work will be weighted as follows:
Exams/Papers = 72 points (Four points for each of 18 exams/papers)
Class Projects = 28 points
5. Grading Scale.
90-100 points = A Excellent
80-89 points = B Above Average
70-79 points = C Average
60-69 points = D Below Average
59 points or Below = F Failing Grade
TOPICS:
I. The Criminal Courts in Controversy
II. Law and Crime
III. Finding the Courthouse: The Confusing Structure of American Courts
IV. The Dynamics of Courthouse Justice
V. The Prosecutor
VI. Defense Attorneys
VII. Judges
VIII. Defendants, Victims and Witnesses
IX. After the Arrest: Case Attrition
X. Freedom for Sale
XI. Preparing for Trial
XII. Negotiated Justice and the Plea of Guilty
XIII. Trial
XIV. Sentencing: The Legal Basis of Judicial Discretion
XV. Choosing Between Prison and Probation
XVI. The Appellate Process
XVII. The Lower Courts: Rapid, Rough Justice
