This course will take an in-depth view of how the components of the criminal justice system address juvenile delinquency. How and why a juvenile is entered into the criminal justice system will be examined and alternatives to entry will be explored. These alternatives include diversionary programs and second-chance protocols. Social and economic disparities will be discussed regarding how those factors figure into the propensity of crimes being committed by juveniles. Additionally, youthful offender procedures that result in juveniles being charged, tried, and, in some cases, incarcerated in the adult system will be explored. Lastly, the course will explore the basic competencies of professionals who interact with juveniles in the criminal justice system and in the agencies that contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles after a finding of delinquency.

The course examines the various relationships between the crime victim and the police, courts, advocates, and other agencies such as the media. Specific categories of crime victims are studied, including drunk driving victims, sexual assault victims, domestic violence and stalking victims, hate crime victims, and child and elderly victims.

This course examines the United States Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution using a substantive approach. Learners participate in a critical analysis of how both the United States Supreme Court and the New Hampshire Supreme Court deal with constitutional issues of major societal importance. The course also focuses on the historical development of constitutional law by studying the many diverse and often controversial matters with which the U.S. and NH Supreme Courts deal. An emphasis is placed on reading and analyzing leading constitutional case law and gaining in-depth knowledge of the relationship between the NH and U.S. Constitutions.

This capstone course is a field-based internship designed to develop and hone the practical application skills of a Criminal Justice major. The course requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained from other courses in the program and to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to new subject matter and practical situations. Students apply for an internship at a self-selected site and negotiate the terms of the internship experience with a site supervisor under the auspices of their faculty mentor. The internship requires documented evidence of eighty hours of supervised experience and practice in a field setting where criminal-justice-related knowledge and skills are applied. NOTE: Registration for this course, an internship, is by permission of Academic Affairs. Early registration deadlines may apply. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.