Criminal Justice 210

CRJU 210: Juvenile Justice (GE)

Credit Hours: (3)

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.

Catalog Description

Covers the study and function of the juvenile justice system, the process within the system, and the youth who become involved in these processes.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. History and Development of Juvenile Justice through the Modern Era

            A. Definitions, Classifications and Diagnostic Management Practices
            B. Values Supporting the Juvenile Justice Model

II. Juvenile Justice System Components

            A. Juvenile Court

                            1. History through Modern Era
                            2. Juvenile Court Jurisdiction and Operations
                            3. Organizational Structure of Juvenile Court
                            4. Certification Issues

            B. Youth and Law Enforcement

                        1. Role of Police
                            2. Police and Juvenile Law

            C. Intake, Detention and Diversion

                            1. Processes and Approaches
                            2. Model Programs and Facilities

            D. Corrections

                            1. Probation

                                        a. Supervision Types
                                        b. Duty and Role of Juvenile Probation Officers

                            2. Institutions

                                        a. Facility types for adjudicated youth

                            3. Parole

            E. Current Trends and Changes

                            1. Juvenile Law and Legal Rights

                                        a. Due Process Concerns

                            2. Emphasis on Prevention and Diversion

                            3. Research Issues and Findings

III. Impact of Juvenile Justice System on the Criminal Justice System

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

CRJU 210 will be taught in a lecture discussion format. Lectures, readings, and discussion will be geared toward understanding the evolution of the juvenile justice system, differences between it and the adult criminal justice system, and the major components and processes which characterize the manner in which it functions today. The course may include case-studies, guest speakers and field trip to a local juvenile facility. Exams and one final paper or project will be required. Instructional strategies may vary.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Having successfully completed this course, the student will:

1. have an understanding of the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system.
2. be able to compare and contrast the function and processes of the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system.
3. be able to define and apply terminology which is unique to the juvenile justice system process.
4. be able to demonstrate his or her knowledge of juvenile rights and how they affect modern day juvenile case processing.
5. be acquainted with a range of approaches and methods utilized to divert juveniles from the legal system.

Assessment Measures

Assessment of the students success in this course will be based on three or four exams, class discussion, and one or more formal papers involving library research.

 

REVIEW AND APPROVAL

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
July 2005, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair

May, 2011

June, 2023; Reviewed Dr. Riane Bolin, Department Chair