Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
Rutgers University –Newark
Department of Criminal justice
Fall 2006
Instructor: Jon M. Shane, M.A.
Course Meeting Time/Place:
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Course Overview
“Criminal justice has always been the subject of intense political debate, but never
more so than today, when issues of crime and justice are the foremost subject of the media
and politicians” (Adler, Mueller, Laufer, 2003:xxiii). Because of this the criminal justice
discipline includes intense theoretical foundations, a variety of practice groups—police,
prosecutors, defense attorneys, courts, and corrections—and programs that meld together
to form a “system” whose goals and priorities are often in irreconcilable conflict.
This course will examine “societal responses to people and organizations that violate
criminal codes; police, courts, juries, prosecutors, defense, and correctional agencies, and
the standards and methods used to respond to crime and criminal offenders; social
pressures that enhance or impair the improvement of criminal laws and the fair
administration of criminal justice” (Rutgers Undergraduate Catalog, 2003-2005:83).
The goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation for the criminal
justice system in America; we will not delve deeply into any single topic, rather there will be
a broad overview of many topics. This will be accomplished through thought-provoking
lecture and discussion of the controversies and challenges of crime, some potential solutions
and the machinations of justice.
I.
Required Readings
A.
Books
1.
Adler, F., Mueller, G.O.W. and Laufer, W. (2006). Criminal Justice: An
Introduction. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2.
Decker, S.H., Alarid, L.F. and Katz, C.M. (2003). Controversies in
Criminal Justice. Los Angeles: Roxbury.
3.
The book order was placed at New Jersey Books, 167 University Ave
Newark, NJ (corner Bleeker Street/973-624-5383).
B.
Articles
1.
Supplements distributed in class.
2.
BlackBoard postings.
3.
Internet-based articles.
C.
All readings other than from text books shall be downloaded or reviewed the
prior week; students should be ready for discussion the following week.
Students shall bring the readings to class each week.
D.
Make sure you review BlackBoard and this syllabus frequently for revisions;
remember you are responsible for all course material.
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
II.
Exams
A.
1st Exam
B.
Midterm Exam
C.
Final Exam
D.
TOTAL
33.3%
33.3%
33.3%
100%
III.
Numerical Grades
A.
A
90-100
B.
B+
86-89
C.
B
80-85
D.
C+
76-79
E.
C
70-75
F.
D
65-69
G.
F
Below 65
H.
There will not be any temporary/incomplete grades issued. All course
requirements must be completed by the end of the semester. If all course
requirements are not met, then a failing grade will be assigned.
I.
Numerical grades will be rounded up from .5 and higher.
J.
Grades will not be curved.
IV.
Prerequisites – There are no prerequisites for enrollment in this class.
V.
Exams
A.
Since some students perform well on multiple choice tests and others on
short answer or fill-in, exams may be designed with both types to ensure
different students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding of the subject material.
B.
The short answer part may consist of fill-in questions or longer answers. All
exams will be objective, that is, the material comes exactly from a
documented source (i.e., the required texts, articles, handouts or lecture
notes). This will remove differences in interpretation and source.
C.
All exams cover the assigned readings and lectures prior to the exam date.
The final exam will cover all of the material from the mid term exam forward.
The exams are not cumulative; however, extra credit questions may derive
from material covered at any point during the semester.
D.
There are NO make-up exams without a documented, verifiable
medical excusal or emergency excusal on the day of the exam. You
must meet with me prior to the exam to explain your absence and
present verifiable documentation upon return. Your documentation
will be your “ticket” to admittance for the make-up exam.
E.
Make up exams will be different from the original exam.
VI.
Attendance
A.
Since exam material is heavily dependent on class lectures, students are
expected to attend every class.
B.
An attendance sheet will be distributed each class. It is your responsibility to
sign the sheet next to your name. If your signature does not appear next to
your name you will be marked absent; your forgetfulness is not a permissible
excusal.
C.
Three or more absences may result in a loss of one full letter grade.
VII.
General Classroom Conduct and Responsibilities
A.
The teaching style may be the Socratic method: teaching by asking instead of
by telling. This means I will call upon specific students to answers questions.
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
VIII.
To avoid uncomfortable situations, please be prepared to participate in
discussion. Your classmates and I will appreciate your attentiveness and
participation.
Discussion is a key aspect of this course. Each of us has unique backgrounds,
life experiences and opinions. Sharing these is invaluable to the classroom
experience. Feel free to challenge the course material. If you have a
different experience or completely disagree with a point someone else has
made, please present to the contrary. Please disagree with me and your
classmates. Express your opinions and experiences freely; just do so in a
mature and intellectual manner. Your argument should be logically based.
There is to be no argument by ad hominem. All discussions will be mature
and free of personal bias, which includes being rude toward others. Be
respectful when voicing your opinion, and be receptive to other people’s point
of view. This is a very enriching part of learning.
Ask questions!! The only stupid questions are those that do not get asked!
This is important to your overall academic experience as well as a process you
should carry with you beyond the classroom.
You are responsible for all readings whether or not they are covered in the
lectures. The readings serve as source materials for all exams.
Please eat and drink quietly and politely. Police your area by discarding all
trash.
Because of security, ALL students visiting the CLJ building (123 Washington
St.) MUST have an official Rutgers identification card. This includes visiting
classroom 025, using the SCJ library or scheduling office hours with me. You
can obtain a card from Blumenthal Hall, 3rd floor. The cards cost $5.00.
Do not be late to class, it is disruptive and rude. Be punctual!
Do not disrupt others by talking, reading outside materials such as
newspapers or magazines and generally not paying attention to the lecture.
Turn off all electronic devices, cell phones, pagers etc. that can be disruptive.
Interruptions from cell phones are particularly annoying because of the ring
tones. Such interruptions may results in you beings asked to leave the
classroom. If you are using a laptop computer to take notes, turn the volume
off.
Policies, Procedures and Academic Integrity
A.
Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and all other violations of academic integrity
will not be tolerated and will be reported to university officials for proper
action.
B.
Please refer your student book of conduct/ethics for details. To view the
University's Code of Student Conduct visit
http://polcomp.rutgers.edu/judaff/ucsc.shtml. Or, visit
http://cat.rutgers.edu/integrity/policy.html.
C.
Please visit http://dsa.newark.rutgers.edu/Freshmen/index.htm for additional
information regarding Rutgers Newark.
D.
Violating the University policy on academic integrity may result in disciplinary
action ranging from Level 1 sanctions (least serious) to Level 4 sanctions
(most serious).
E.
ADA Procedures. Students requiring special consideration relating to a
disability covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) of 1990 should call the Office of
Student Activities and Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities at
(973) 353-5300 or (973) 353-5881. The office is located at the Paul Robeson
Campus Center, Room #234 or fax (973) 353-5666.
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
IX.
Course Documents
A.
Course documents may be obtained from
http://BlackBoard.newark.rutgers.edu/. Students should check BlackBoard
often as documents may be added or modified, including the syllabus.
B.
All students can login using their net ID and password. If you need further
assistance using the BlackBoard system contact the Help Desk at 973-3535083 or email help@newark.rutgers.edu. Obtaining access to BlackBoard is
your responsibility.
C.
Some documents and other necessary communiqué may be delivered via
email, so ensure your Rutgers email that is listed on BlackBoard is
operational.
X.
Course Schedule1
A.
Part I, The Universe of Crime and Justice September 5th
1.
Syllabus
2.
Course expectations
3.
Introductions
4.
Chapter 1, Criminal Justice: Introduction and Overview
B.
September 7th
1.
Chapter 1, cont’d, (Criminal Justice: Introduction and Overview)
2.
Decker, Introduction…(p.1)
3.
Chapter 2, Crime and Criminals
4.
BlackBoard: Stewart Convicted on all Charges
C.
September 12th
1.
Chapter 2, cont’d, (Crime and Criminals)
2.
Decker, Issue IV: Terrorism….(pp.83-93 )
3.
BlackBoard:
a.
2004 FBI UCR Report; Only required to read the following:
i.
Foreword
ii.
Crime Factors
iii.
Summary of the UCR Program
iv.
Crime Clock 2004
b.
National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS); Read only:
i.
NCVS
ii.
Redesign of the National Crime Victimization Survey
c.
National Incident-based Reporting System (NIBRS); Read:
i.
About the National Incident-Based Reporting System
(NIBRS)
ii.
Program Activities
iii.
National Incident-Based Reporting System
(NIBRS)Implementation Program: Factsheet
d.
UCR Handbook; Read only:
i.
Hierarchy Rule (p.10-12)
ii.
Separation of Time and Place Rule (p.12-13)
iii.
Hotel Rule (p.28-29)
e.
Star Ledger article: “Can’t Count on Crime Statistics”
f.
9/11Commission Report: 5.4 “A Money Trail?”
i.
General Financing (p.169-172)
ii.
Funding of the 9/11 Plot (p.172)
D.
September 14th
1.
Chapters 3 and 4, The Criminal Law; Explaining Criminal Behavior
2.
Decker, Issue III: Intelligence and Crime…(pp.56-68)
1
This schedule is tentative and may be altered at any point during the semester without prior notice.
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
September 19th
1.
Chapters 3 and 4, cont’d, (The Criminal Law; Explaining Criminal
Behavior)
2.
Decker, Issue III: Intelligence and Crime…(pp.56-68)
Part II, The Police September 21st
1.
Chapter 5, History and Organization of the Police
2.
Decker, Issue V: Police Organizations…(pp.103-116)
September 26th
1.
Chapter 5, cont’d, (History and Organization of the Police)
2.
Decker, Issue V: Police Organizations…(pp.103-116)
September 28th
1.
Chapter 6, Police Functions and Police Culture
2.
Decker, Issue VII: Zero Tolerance Policing…(pp.135-144)
October 3rd
1.
Chapter 6, cont’d, (Police Functions)
2.
Decker cont’d, Issue VII: Zero Tolerance Policing…(pp.135-144)
3.
BlackBoard: Broken Windows Flow Sequence
October 5th
1.
Chapter 6, cont’d (Police Culture)
2.
BlackBoard: Police Culture, Individualism, and Community Policing:
Evidence from Two Police Departments
October 10th
1.
Chapter 6, cont’d (Police Culture)
2.
BlackBoard: Police Culture, Individualism, and Community Policing:
Evidence from Two Police Departments
October 12th
1.
Exam 1
2.
Full class period
October 17th
1.
Chapter 7, The Rule of Law in Law Enforcement
2.
Constitutional Amendments
a.
4th Amendment Review
b.
5th Amendment Review
3.
BlackBoard: Jerome Skolnick, Deception by Police
October 19th
1.
Chapter 7, cont’d, (The Rule of Law in Law Enforcement)
2.
Exclusionary Rule
3.
BlackBoard: Enforcing the Fourth Amendment: The Exclusionary Rule
Part III, The Courts October 24th
1.
Chapter 8, The Origin and Role of the Courts
2.
Decker, Issue IX: …Federal Grand Jury…(pp.167-182)
October 26th
1.
Chapter 8, cont’d, The Origin and Role of the Courts
Tentative class cancellation October 31st and November 2nd due to American
Society of Criminology Conference
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
November 7th
1.
Chapter 10, Criminal Prosecution and Adjudication
2.
Decker, Issue XI: The Public as Thirteenth Juror…(pp.228-247)
November 9th
1.
Chapter 10, cont’d, (Criminal Prosecution and Adjudication)
2.
Decker, Issue XI: The Public as Thirteenth Juror…(pp.228-247)
November 14th
1.
Chapter 9, Lawyers and Judges
November 16th
1.
Chapter 9, cont’d, (Lawyers and Judges)
November 21st
1.
Chapter 9, cont’d, (Lawyers and Judges)
2.
Tentative guest lecture: Michael Troisi, Esq.
Change in class designation. No class Thursday, November 23 to Sunday,
November 26, 2006 for Thanksgiving recess
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.
AA.
November 28th
1.
Midterm Exam
2.
Full class period
November 30th
1.
Chapter 11, Sentencing
2.
Decker, Issue XII: Lock ‘Em Up…(pp.257-264)
3.
Confirmed guest lecture: Ms. Paula Dow, Esq. Essex County
Prosecutor—Newark, NJ.
December 5th
1.
Chapter 11, cont’d, (Sentencing)
2.
BlackBoard: Outline on Michael Tonry’s book “Malign Neglect.”
3.
BlackBoard: Racial Disparity in Sentencing: A Review of the Literature
4.
BlackBoard: Roper v. Simmons, ([03-633] 112 S. W. 3d 397, affirmed,
March 1, 2005). Only required to read the following:
a.
Case summary
b.
Summary of Justice Stevens, with whom Justice Ginsburg joins,
concurring
c.
Summary of Justice O’Connor’s dissenting opinion
d.
Summary of Justice Scalia, with whom The Chief Justice and
Justice Thomas join, dissenting
Part IV, Corrections December 7th
1.
Chapter 12, Corrections: Yesterday and Today
December 12th
1.
Chapter 13, Institutional Corrections
2.
Confirmed guest lecture: Abraham Espada, Northern State Prison
3.
BlackBoard: Fact Sheet: Women in Prison
4.
BlackBoard: Executive Summary, Gender and Justice: Women, Drugs
and Sentencing Policy
December 14th
1.
Chapter 13, cont’d
2.
Chapter 14, Alternatives: Community Corrections
3.
BlackBoard: Keeping Track of Electronic Monitoring
4.
Tentative field trip: Northern State Prison Newark, NJ
5.
You MUST attend the tour and write a paper to receive extra credit;
not other extra credit assignments will be offered. Review BlackBoard
frequently for details on the trip.
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Introduction to Criminal Justice 21:202:201:02:12123
Syllabus effective September 1, 2006 (rev. 9/21/06; rev. 11/8/06; rev. 12/6/06; rev 12/7/06)
6.
BB.
CC.
Extra credit assignment based on prison tour due on or before
December 21, 2006, via email only (jmsnpd@andromeda.rutgers.edu).
Review BlackBoard section entitled Tour of Northern State Prison
for formatting instructions and other details.
December 15th
1.
Final exam
2.
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM in our regular room
3.
Grades will only be accessible according to Rutgers’ policy! Visit
http://taproject.rutgers.edu/GradePosting.pdf for the policy on posting
grades.
December 21st
1.
Extra credit papers due by 10:00 AM via email.
2.
Late papers will not be accepted! Check your email for receipt
confirmation.
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