Criminology and Law, Studies in

This course examines the origins and historical development of prisons in America. Particular attention is given to the impact of reform movements, the rise of centralized correctional systems, and regional variations in the practice of punishment.

Advanced overview of criminal law, criminal procedure and criminological theory. Special emphasis is placed on the components of the criminal justice system: the police, the prosecutorial and defense functions, the judiciary and the field of corrections. This course is required of all majors and minors. (S)

This course introduces students to the scholarly study of law from a multidisciplinary, liberal arts perspective. Students will have an opportunity to become familiar with legal ideas, legal institutions, and the legal process, with particular emphasis on the study of criminal behavior and the criminal justice process in American society.

The objective of this course is to examine the relationships between gender, race, age and social class and crime. Attention is given to theoretical explanations, empirical research, and patterns in criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.

Advanced research design and data analysis. Study of experimental and non-experimental research designs, probability and nonprobability sampling techniques, construction of scales and indexes and methods of bivariate and multivariate data analysis. Prior completion of an introductory course in statistics is recommended but not required. (S)

Application of behavioral science research and practice to the legal system. Psychologists and the legal system; lawyers: socialization, training, and ethics; legality, morality and justice; forensic assessment; the insanity defense; competence in the legal system; eyewitness identification; jury selection, theories or crime; punishment and sentencing.

An examination of the historical development of crime and criminal justice in America. Special attention is devoted to the development of the modern prison, police and organized crime in America. (S)

An examination of the philosophical, legal and scientific modes of inquiry that are central to the study of law. Attention is given to fitting the appropriate method of inquiry to the social policy question presented so that law and its effectiveness can be evaluated. Prior completion of CCJ 3701 is recommended but not required. (S) GR-E†

This course will use scholarship in psychology and law to examine relationships and conflicts between the state, children and families. Issues will include child abuse and neglect, reproductive rights of adolescents, juvenile delinquency, and child custody, among others. The developing psychological capacities of children will be evaluated in light of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Advanced study and critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of biological, psychological, economic and sociological perspectives on the etiology of crime. (S)

This course will examine the historical roots of American violence. It will devote particular attention to the history of racial, ethnic and domestic violence.

An examination of individual criminality in the course of one’s occupation and the crimes of organizations and corporations. Course will study the societal reaction to these "upper class" illegalities. (S) GR-E†

An examination of the factors increasing the risk for intimate violence, the effects of violence on victims, interventions to prevent and treat violence, and public policies. Topics will include child physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Law, social science, and feminist scholarship will be used to examine current controversies in these fields.

This course examines trends and developments in the regulation of drugs in America. This course emphasizes the study of the origins and impact of drug control, the evolution of drug treatment, and drug law enforcement.

Qualified students and the instructor will develop a course of study or investigation designed to extend available course work. A formal written report is required. May be repeated, but no more than 3 hours of credit earned in CCJ 4905 may be applied to either major area requirements or minimum degree requirements established by the university.

A changing-topic seminar which will examine a variety of current issues, techniques and problems in criminal justice.

Supervised experience in a criminal justice agency. May be repeated, but no more than 3 hours of credit earned in CCJ 4940 may be applied to either major area requirements or minimum degree requirements established by the university.

Qualified students submit a formal research proposal, carry out individual research under the supervision of a faculty member and prepare a formal written report of the research to a faculty committee. May be repeated, but no more than 6 hours of credit may be applied to either major area requirements or minimum degree requirements established by the university.

An introduction to the field of penology and corrections. Consideration is given to conflicting philosophies of punishment, criminological theory as it applies to the field of corrections, the selectivity of the process through which offenders move prior to their involvement in correctional programs, alternative correctional placements and empirical assessments of the short- and long-term consequences of involvement in correctional programs. (S)

The role of the police in the criminal justice system of a democratic society. The organization of police work, discretion and police role in a socio-legal context.

An advanced assessment of poverty, minority groups, social class and cultural differences as they impact on the police and police interactions with other segments of the criminal justice system. Special attention will be paid to problems regarding police training and education, career development and community relations.

An in-depth examination of current applications of organizational theory and research in modern police organizations.

To understand the role of private security in the prevention of crime and deviance against the assets of formal organizations and their employees, such as business corporations, retail stores, and educational institutions.

An examination of the development, change and operation of the American juvenile justice system. Special emphasis is placed on the nature of juvenile law and our methods of dealing with youthful offenders. (S)

This survey course promotes an understanding of law as it relates to an individual’s everyday encounters with the legal system. Actual legal cases may be studied to analyze how disputes are resolved by application of legal principles to factual situations, whether justice was served by the decision, and potential implications of the decision on future cases. (S)

A study of civil liability for damages caused by a breach of an imposed duty. Topics pursued include negligence, absolute liability, intentional torts, defamation, economic torts, products liability and damages.

An examination of the juvenile justice system including delinquency, dependency and laws that have special application for juveniles. Special emphasis is given to the operation of the Florida juvenile code and the relationship between children and society.

A study of substantive criminal law. Consideration is given to its historical development, the tension between social and legal definitions of crime, the basic dimensions of criminality, the specific elements of major crimes and the nature of criminal sanctions. (S)

Study of constitutional rights of the accused in criminal proceedings. The course focuses on analysis of case materials involving the law of arrest, search and seizure, the use of confessions, fair trial, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments.