Department of
Sociology and Anthropology
SOC 34E.01 HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
|
Prerequisite: Intro to Sociology* |
Instructor: Dr. Zoran Milovanovich |
|
Phone: (484) 365-8000, x3548 |
Office Location: DH 362 |
|
|
|
|
This course is designed to develop general understanding of the concept
of human rights and legal mechanisms developed to protect them within the
criminal justice system. The first part of the course examines the nature of
the idea of human rights, its political and legal universality, and historical
evolution. The discussion in second part primarily focuses on the Bill of
Rights and the rights available to an accused in a criminal prosecution. The
course addresses critical human rights issues through different stages of the
criminal justice process (criminal investigation, trial and sentencing). It
seeks to determine if constitution, statutes and judicial decisions establish
foundation for the policy which balances conflicting interests of the law - of
the citizens to protect their human rights and that of state to control
criminal conduct.
Upon completion of
this course, the students are expected to:
- Understand the historical evolution
of the concept of human rights and its importance for the development of
democracy and justice in a society.
- Understand that the human rights idea
symbolizes individual entitlement and corresponding obligation on society;
that people enjoy rights not by the grace of society and not only because
it may be good societal policy to respect them, rather they are entitled
to them.
- Understand that human rights are not
absolute category, or the equivalent of justice and "the good
society," but rather prima facie rights that may sometimes bow to
compelling public interest.
- Explain why and under what conditions
the criminal justice system, as an instrument of crime control, may impose
restrictions on exercise of some of the most important human rights and
freedoms.
- Understand why it is important that
criminal justice system develops the instruments to ensure that agencies
and individuals authorized to enforce the law respect human rights of
citizens.
- Develop the ability to effectively
combine traditional research techniques and resources available via the
Internet.
·
Internet research;
·
Class presentation;
·
Classroom attendance and participation;
·
Tests: three tests, including midterm and final exam.
|
Quiz |
15% |
|
Midterm Exam |
25% |
|
Final Exam |
40% |
|
Internet Research - Presentation |
15% |
|
Class Participation |
5% |
You are required to prepare class presentation focusing on status of
human rights in the country of your choice. Before you make your choice, check the
list of countries already selected by other students. You are
encouraged to focus on regions and nations with history of human rights abuse
(authoritarian regimes, countries in conflict and countries in transition).
Your primary source of information should be data bases, reports, current
on-line news releases and other research related material widely available on
the Internet. An introductory part of your presentation should provide a brief
background information about the selected country, including elements of
geographic, demographic, historical, political, and cultural nature. Main part
of your presentation should concentrate on human rights practices in a
particular country. Length of your presentation should be approximately 20-25
minutes.
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 two tardy arrivals will be counted as one absence.
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 two
tardy arrivals will be counted as one absence.
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.
Due to specific
nature of the course, it does not rely upon a single source. Instead, the
students are expected to combine the extensive use of lecture notes and
Internet research.
Return to Home page of the Criminal Justice Program
Go to Requirements for Criminal Justice Majors
Go to Suggested Course Sequence for Criminal
Justice Majors
Go to Requirements for a Criminal Justice Minor
Email: milovanovich@lu.lincoln.edu
* Prerequisite
course rule applies to Criminal Justice Majors only.