The course introduces the student to the American system of criminal justice. Its growth and development will be examined with emphasis placed on the various subsystems of the criminal justice system (substantive and procedural criminal law; police, prosecution, defense, courts, institutional and community corrections; and the juvenile justice system). Additionally, contemporary issues that challenge the functional efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system will be addressed. Students will learn the terminology of the field, have the opportunity to evaluate personal attitudes and values regarding crime and responses to crime.