Mar 18, 2026  
2025-2026 Catalog SVC 
    
2025-2026 Catalog SVC

CJ 111 - Criminal Justice Procedures


Credits: 3
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to the due process and adversary system of justice in State and Federal Systems. Covers the differences between the civil and criminal process, the courtroom work group, punishment, parole and probation, sentencing appeals and options, and juvenile procedures.

Prerequisite: None.
Distribution Requirements:
  • Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the basic development of the U.S. Constitution particularly as the constitution provides for a court system, a system of checks and balances, and its limited application to specific crimes.
  2. Show the developing “criminal law revolution” in the application of constitutional amendments, i.e. first, fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth amendments to the states through application of the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment.
  3. Know and understand the procedures for the processing of a criminal case from investigation through arrest, trial, and appellate system in both Washington State and the federal system.
  4. Review the correctional facilities and procedures available with extensive class participation as to possible alternatives.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of when parole and probation fit into the adversary system of justice.
  6. Develop an understanding of the differences between adult and juvenile process when involved with the American court system.

Course Contents
  1. Crime and justice in America.
  2. Criminal behavior, criminal justice, and the rule of law.
  3. Administration of criminal justice.
  4. Police and police operation.
  5. Prosecuting attorney.
  6. Defense attorney, pre-trial process, trial and post-trial process.
  7. Sentencing and corrections.
  8. Juvenile justice.


Instructional Units: 3