Criminal justice is the system of laws, procedures, and institutions that ensure justice is served. It includes the police, courts, and correctional facilities, and works to maintain and uphold law and order. The criminal justice system has evolved to reflect changes in social science, legal theory, politics, and legal systems.
The topics surrounding criminal justice are often sensitive but are vital to protecting the public. Therefore, they can’t be ignored.
Faulkner University, based in Alabama, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program Those who enroll will be introduced to the various subjects that make up the justice system. Here, we explore the sensitive topics students will learn about during their studies.
Police Ethics
Police ethics and the behavior of law enforcement continue to be among the most talked about issues within the criminal justice system. Much conversation surrounds how society can prevent altercations and define the difference between self-defense and brutality. Those wishing to pursue criminal justice studies should be prepared to discuss police ethics critically and objectively.
The criminal justice degree program at Faulkner University also addresses other uses of force by law enforcers and whether force is justified or not. Courses throughout the curriculum dive into the matter of stopping someone and searching their person, vehicle, or home. Students will study police interviews and interrogations to explore this topic further.
Race
Prejudicial influence based on race is still relevant in our society today. Actions related to brutality, searches, and interrogation may be impacted by a person’s race. Furthermore, a person’s race can affect how vulnerable they are to surveillance, police violence, searching without consent, and more. Because this behavior exists in our society, it is crucial for students to include it in their studies.
Additionally, criminal justice studies at Faulkner University will touch upon the common accusations that minority races are more likely to be wrongly accused of crimes or given longer sentences than white suspects. Students should prepare themselves to have difficult – but necessary – conversations surrounding racial prejudice as it relates to the perception of crimes and the people who commit them.
Prison Systems
Today’s prison system is another controversial topic worth learning about. Mass incarceration and the overpopulation of American prisoners draw a lot of attention. Should politicians increase funding for prisons? Is there a need for better rehabilitation resources? These questions and more are discussed in the criminal justice degree program at Faulkner University.
Criminal sentencing is another pertinent topic students will learn about. Many advocate for equal sentencing while others argue that age, gender, and mental infirmity should play a part in determining prison sentences and conditions. Juvenile justice and the insanity plea argument are other critical aspects of the justice system explored in our degree program.
Technology and the Justice System
Today, technology plays a pivotal role in criminal justice. Law enforcement uses technological advancements to perform their duties and criminals use technology to plot new crimes. Criminal justice courses must introduce students to these concepts.
The Online Criminal Justice Degree at Faulkner University
Faulkner University is a proud Christian liberal arts school. Our mission is to glorify God through education with an emphasis on integrity and character. We aim to educate students in a caring, Christian environment where every individual matters daily.
Our online criminal justice degree program provides flexible learning to students who require accommodations for life’s responsibilities. The program’s curriculum dives into important criminal justice topics and other teachings deeply rooted in Christian ethics. Students will apply a faith-based lens throughout all their coursework.
If you’re interested in learning about criminal justice, enroll today at Faulkner University, serving Montgomery, Alabama, and beyond. In a short time, students will earn an online degree in criminal justice and be able to apply it to a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system. Request info or contact us today to learn how to apply.