SOC 315.01 Court and Corrections

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

SOC 315.01 COURTS AND CORRECTION

Prerequisite: Intro to Criminal Justice	Instructor: Dr. Zoran Milovanovich
Phone: (484) 365-8000, x3548	Office Location: DH 362

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course introduces students to the American court system at both the state and federal levels. Judicial organization, history and development of courts are discussed. The course examines roles of professional and nonprofessional courtroom actors, pretrial activities, stages of criminal trial, and sentencing, and discusses current issues and trends in court reform. Consideration also includes a number of issues concerning corrections, with emphasis on correctional history and institutions, organization of prisons, prison life, parole, probation and intermediate sanctions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

· Understand the structure and management of the American courts, dual system of courts, their respective jurisdictions, and their specific characteristics.

· Discuss the roles of the judge, prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and understand concept and operations of indigent defense system.

· Identify the differences in the processing of felony and misdemeanor cases, and discuss the steps and procedures in the accusatory process, and understand the various stages in the conduct of a criminal trial.

· Understand the broad concept of "corrections," discuss the major types of prison institutions and the role they play in the criminal justice system, functioning of parole and probation, and identify current and future correctional issues and trends.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

· Textbook assignments

· Tests: four tests, including midterm and final exam;

· WebCT Assignments

· Classroom attendance and participation.

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Grade Distribution

Quizzes	20%
Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	40%
WebCT Assignments	10%
Class Participation	10%

Recommended Grade-Boosting Strategy

Students are strongly encouraged to prepare and make an oral presentation based on critical analysis of a case or issue relevant to the field of study. Successful presentation has the potential to significantly boost the grade (up to 10% of the maximum score).

Oral Presentation

Evaluation of the oral presentation is based on the following criteria: selection of subject (relevant to assignment, interesting, appropriate level); content and organization (necessary components: introduction, development, supporting material, conclusion); language (clarity, vividness, grammar correct, oral style); delivery (body control, voice); attitude toward an audience (urge to communicate); the degree to which the class was involved; and overall effectiveness.

Percentage to Letter-Grade Conversions

A	95-99%
A-	91-94%
B+	86-90%
B	81-85%
B-	76-80%
C+	71-75%
C	66-70%
C-	61-65%
D+	56-60%
D	51-55%
F	0-50%

Tests

Students are expected to take all tests at the regularly scheduled time. If a student cannot do so, he/she should inform the professor before the test. If the reason for being absent is valid, the student will be given the opportunity to take a make-up test. Because of the difficulty of developing a second test, make-up test will consist entirely of essay questions. Students who miss test without informing the professor beforehand will not be permitted to make up the test unless they can provide proof of having had to leave the campus unexpectedly for a hospital stay or serious family emergency.

Attendance

Students in this class will be expected to adhere to the University regulations on absence from class. Students are advised to keep in mind that four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course, and that three tardy arrivals will be counted as one absence.

Academic Ethics:

Students are reminded that they must adhere to the standards of academic ethics of the University. These include standards of honesty for such activities as submitting assignments and essays, taking tests and examinations and doing project assignments. To view the full text of the University Approved Integrity Statement, click here.

REQUIRED TEXT (To access online material, click on any of recommended titles)

Senna J. & Siegel L.,INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (Chapters 9-16)

You may also refer to chapters on courts and corrections in any of the following texts:

Albanese, Jay.S. Criminal Justice

Bohm R., Haley K.,Introduction to Criminal Justice

Cole G., Smith C.,Criminal Justice in America

Schmalleger F., Criminal Justice Today