Academic Catalog Student Handbook

2023-2024 Edition

Criminal Justice (CRIJ)

CRIJ 1301  Introduction to Criminal Justice  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 1301 and CJSA 1322.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 1306  Court Systems and Practices  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law. Topics include the structure of the American court system, prosecution, right to counsel, pretrial release, grand jury process, adjudication process, types and rules of evidence, and sentencing concepts. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 1306 and CJSA 1313.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 1307  Crime in America  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course covers the study of American crime problems in historical perspective, social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact and crime trends, social characteristics of specific crimes, and crime prevention. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 1307 and CJSA 1312.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 1310  Fundamentals of Criminal Law  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 1310 and CJSA 1327.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 1313  Juvenile Justice System  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course is a study of the juvenile justice process. Topics include specialized juvenile law, role of the juvenile law, role of the juvenile courts, role of police agencies, role of correctional agencies, and theories concerning delinquency. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 1313 and CJSA 1317.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 2301  Community Resources in Corrections  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

An introductory study of the community in corrections; community programs for adults and juveniles; administration of community programs; legal issues; future trends in community treatment. This is an overview of diversionary practices and treatment programs available to offenders in a local context. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 2301 and CJCR 2324.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 2313  Correctional Systems and Practices  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course is a survey of institutional and non-institutional corrections. Emphasis will be placed on the organization and operation of correctional systems; treatment and rehabilitation; populations served; Constitutional issues; and current and future issues. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 2313 and CJCR 1307.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 2314  Criminal Investigation  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This is a study of investigative theory, the collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, concepts of interviewing and interrogation, the use of forensic sciences; and trial preparation. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 2314 and CJSA 1342.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 2323  Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This is a study of police authority; responsibilities; constitutional constraints; laws of arrest; search and seizure; police civil liability. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 2323 and CJSA 2300.
Course Type: Academic

CRIJ 2328  Police Systems and Practices  3 Credits   (3 Lec, 0 Lab)  

This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police ethics, and use of authority. Credit will not be given for both CRIJ 2328 and CJSA 1359.
Course Type: Academic