Course Descriptions

            A.J. 101:        “Introduction to Administration of Justice”

                       A survey course, providing a broad introduction to the Criminal Justice System, including an overview of all the sub-systems and agencies within the fields of law enforcement, judicial, legislative, and corrections.  It is designed to help students in making career choices among the various criminal justice professions and agencies. It applies toward the general education graduation requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.  This class may include tours of local law enforcement, jail and prison facilities.

            A.J. 102:        “Concepts of Criminal Law”

                       Required for all A.J. majors.  An excellent course for anyone desiring an introduction to criminal law.  It includes approximately 10 hours of constitutional law and 10 hours of legal research, as well as, a study of the legal concepts of parties to a crime, act and intent, criminal defenses and current issues in criminal justice.  Students learn to conduct basic legal research and to write case briefs as part of the course work.  It is probably the best course for non-majors interested in elective transfer credit in this field.  It should be immediately followed by A.J. 202.

            A.J. 202:        “Substantive Criminal Law”

                       A continuation of A.J. 2.1, providing a detailed analysis of all major California crimes, including murder, robbery, burglary, theft, assault, kidnapping, sex crimes, child and spousal abuse, and many others.  It is required for all A.J. majors and provides vital information for both the pre-employment student and the professional practitioner in all areas of criminal justice.

            A.J. 103:        “Criminal Procedures”

                       A detailed examination of the California criminal justice system.  It begins with a thorough study of the organization and jurisdiction of the criminal courts and then follows the processing of a criminal case from arrest through bail hearings, arraignments, selection and trial, to final judgment and sentencing.  A mock trial may be included as part of the course work.This course is required for all A.J. majors, and also satisfies requirements for pre-law, Para-legal, and Court Reporting majors.  It is also an excellent course for Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Education and Social Studies majors.

            A.J. 104:        “Criminal Evidence”

                       A detailed examination of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment Constitutional rules relating to search and seizure, search warrants, the exclusionary rule, and the admissibility of evidence in court. It is required for A.J. majors and is recommended for paralegals, pre-law students, and others in related fields.

            A.J. 105:        “Community Relations/Multi-Cultural Issues”

                       Community Relations/Multi-Cultural Issues provides a study of the interrelationships and role expectations of various criminal justice agencies and the communities they serve.  The ethnic and cultural diversity of our communities is examined as it affects criminal justice, and particularly law enforcement.  Guest lecturers representing a variety of backgrounds are invited to participate in this class.  The course is required for Criminal Justice majors, and also has value for anyone concerned with community safety.

            A.J. 108:        “Special Issues In Law Enforcement”

                       A survey of special problems encountered by police patrol officers, such as landlord-tenant disputes, repossessions, use of criminal justice information and communications systems, persons with disabilities, custody of prisoners, weapons offenses, and domestic violence cases. Current topics and issues such as terrorism, street gangs and prison gangs are a major emphasis in this course.

            A.J. 110:        “Patrol Procedures & Enforcement Tactics”

                       An examination of the theories and operational procedures of police field patrol services. Provides an understanding of selective enforcement policies, pro-active law enforcement strategies, officer safety, and the operational procedures used in responding to typical police patrol situations. Issues related to the handling of felony crimes in progress, disasters and responses to terrorist attacks are emphasized.

            A.J. 91:          “Report Writing”

                       Superior writing ability is one of the key ingredients for success as a law enforcement officer.  Over 60% of an officer’s daily routine is devoted to writing crime reports, arrest reports, complex investigation reports, and other types of written communication.  This course provides practical exercises to develop general writing skills and to apply those skills specifically to police report writing.

            A.J. 71:          “Police First Aid & CPR”

                       This is a general first aid course useful for allmembers of the community, but with special emphasis on emergency treatment of the major trauma conditions typically encountered by police personnel.Both the Red Cross Standard First Aid and Red Cross C.P.R. certificates are earned in this class.

            A.J. 220:        “Criminal Investigation”

                       An introduction to organizing, managing, and conducting criminal investigations.  Develops analytical skills and provides a broad understanding of investigative techniques. Includes practical lab work in fingerprinting, evidence processing, and a mock investigation. A great class for armchair detectives, journalists, writers, lawyers and others in related fields.  Required course for all Criminal Justice majors.

            A.J. 221:        “Narcotics and Vice Control”

                       An introduction to the laws and enforcement techniques relating to narcotics, gambling, prostitution and pornography.  The emphasis is on narcotics violations and includes drug and drug paraphernalia identification, as well as, the causes, symptoms, effects and treatment of drug abuse.

            A.J. 222:        “Juvenile Procedures”

                       An examination of the laws relating to juvenile offenders and the processing of juvenile cases by police officers, probation departments, juvenile courts and the California Youth Authority. Laws and procedures regarding child abuse are covered in detail. In addition to AJ majors this course is of great value to anyone pursuing a career in education or social work.

            A.J. 130:        “Traffic Enforcement and Investigation”

                       Examines the highly specialized areas of traffic laws, traffic enforcement techniques, accident prevention, and the scientific investigation of traffic accidents.  Several mock accident scenes are analyzed during the course.

            A.J. 150:        “Introduction to Corrections”

                                   A study of the philosophy and history of corrections in the United States.  Custody and treatment practices of federal, state and local jails and prisons are examined, as well as, the policies and objectives of community-based corrections, probation and parole.

            A.J. 173:         “A J Work Experience”

                       Volunteer internships are available in a variety of criminal justice agencies.  A minimum of 10 hours per week is required.  Detailed information is provided at an orientation meeting conducted during the first week of the semester.  This class provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to improve your chances of being accepted in a criminal justice career position.