This course presents an overview of the criminal and juvenile justice systems and the variety of agencies charged with the detection, prosecution, and subsequent application of penalties. The course begins with an examination of the extent and nature of crime in the U.S. It then reviews the subsystems associated with the criminal and juvenile justice fields, including the police, criminal and juvenile courts, and corrections and treatment processes. The review of each subsystem includes a discussion of its historical development as well as issues currently confronting the profession. Students also explore and evaluate differing philosophies underlying corrections. The course concludes with an examination of the future of the criminal and juvenile justice systems from political and sociological perspectives.

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.