Criminal Justice

Education and Professional Studies Building, Room 220
201- 200-3492

The Criminal Justice Department, a diverse, urban learning community of educators and students, is dedicated to a multidisciplinary education, merging theory and practice in service to society and the dynamic nature of criminal justice. Students gain valuable legal experience through the Department’s Mock Trial Team.  The Department also sponsors a Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon for its students and has a very active Criminal/Social justice club. The Department seeks academic excellence, whereby it develops the latest and most expedient assessment tools, develops new courses, promotes faculty development, enhances community outreach goals, increases its access to a diverse range of incoming students, and boosts retention.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program combines professional studies in the fields of criminal justice, including law enforcement, courts, probation, corrections, parole; juvenile justice, violence, and victimization. The program is designed for individuals who are currently involved in the criminal and juvenile justice fields and students who seek careers in these areas. To accommodate students with varying work schedules, most undergraduate coursework is offered on the main campus on a dual-track basis, whereby each student has the option to attend each class at either 8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. on the same day. All coursework is offered on campus and at our satellite program in Wall, NJ, through the University Partnerships program. Required courses are also offered online.

All Criminal Justice majors who qualify are eligible for NJCU’s Cooperative Education Program (i.e., internship). A major objective of the program is to combine classroom education with practical experience and to provide a realistic, in-the-field environment for skills and knowledge, skills, and abilities that supplement classroom learning. Students can earn up to 12 credits, with a maximum of 6 credits in any one experience.

David Chiabi, Chairperson
Professor of Criminal Justice
University of Yaounde, L.L.B.; Columbia University, L.L.M; City University of New York, Ph.D.

William Calathes
Professor of Criminal Justice
CUNY, B.A.; John Jay College of Criminal Justice, M.A.; CUNY Law School, J.D.; CUNY/John Jay College, Ph.D.

Venessa Garcia
Professor of Criminal Justice
SUNY Buffalo State College, B.A.; SUNY University at Buffalo, M.A., Ph.D.

Aaron Ho
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
John Jay College, B.A.; Rutgers University, M.A., Ph.D.

Esther Nir
Professor of Criminal Justice and Mock Trial Coach
Queens College, B.A.; Fordham University, J.D.; Rutgers University, Ph.D.

Various discipline-specific concentrations that will prepare students for multiple fields of employment or areas of additional undergraduate/graduate study are noted below. Course requirements for each concentration are explained in detail. The requirements for graduation, in addition to completion of the major area, are listed on "Undergraduate Degree Requirements."

Criminal Justice (CJ)

CJ 1XX Criminal Justice Transfer Credit (0 Credits)

CJ 2XX Criminal Justice Transfer Credit (0 Credits)

CJ 111 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

This introductory course in criminal justice offers an overview of the administration of police, court and correctional agencies and decision-making points-from the initial investigation or arrest by police to the eventual release of the offender and his or her reentry into society. The roles of police, the prosecuting attorney, the defense attorney, judge, probation personnel, corrections offices and parole offices are examined individually and collectively.

CJ 112 Crime and Delinquency (3 Credits)

The nature and extent of crime and delinquency in the United States are examined in this course. Emphasis is placed on theories and the types and trends of criminal and delinquent behavior. Theories of causation, relevant current issues, domestic, multicultural/international and societal responses are discussed.

CJ 115 Juvenile Justice (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the study of the juvenile justice system and its administration. Emphasis is placed on contemporary American juvenile justice, the processes within the system and how the system functions in the management, control, care and treatment of status offenders, juvenile offenders, dependent children and neglected children. Further emphasis is placed on the nature and extent of delinquency, theories of causation, current trends and issues.

CJ 120 Careers in Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

This course encompasses a wide range of topics related to locating and obtaining jobs in policing, courts, probation, corrections, parole, juvenile justice, fire safety and private security. Professional concerns such as stress, promotion and civil service requirements are addressed.

CJ 130 Writing for Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

This course provides students with the techniques and instructions for communicating facts, information, and ideas effectively in a simple, clear, and logical manner in various types of written academic assignments and professional criminal justice reports: reaction papers, article critiques, book reports, reviews of the literature, and research papers. There will be an emphasis on criminal justice terminology, the use of English, and the organization of information.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111, CJ 112, and ENGL 101

CJ 201 Law, Order, and Justice in Society (3 Credits)

Drawing on social science and humanities, this course offers historical and international perspectives on how philosophical problems of law, American legal culture, justice, law and the Constitution, legislative behavior, and concepts of punishment all contribute to the development and understanding of the present criminal justice system.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 205 Community Corrections (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of probation and parole. Emphasis is placed on crime control through probation and parole including specific contemporary issues, controversies and organizational styles. The course includes a critical examination of the ability to predict probation/parole eligibility and the relationships to and consequences of both systems as these relate to the police, courts, corrections and the community. Juvenile and adult systems are examined.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 210 Crime Prevention (3 Credits)

This course explores the concepts and techniques of crime prevention. The roles of the criminal justice system, public and private service agencies as well as citizen involvement are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the successes and failures of the various approaches, strategies and programs in crime prevention.

CJ 215 Police Organization & Administration (3 Credits)

This course provides a survey of the fundamental principles of the function, structure and management of law enforcement agencies. Various forms of police organization are analyzed and evaluated. The basic concepts of police administration are discussed. Contrasts between traditional styles and contemporary approaches are also emphasized.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 216 Court System & Admin (3 Credits)

A broad analysis of the major structures and processes that underlie the American judicial system on the local, state and federal levels is the primary focus of this course. Emphasis is placed on the basic legal concepts of the judicial process, the dynamics of the criminal court process and its principal actors: judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juries, victims and witnesses. Civil and juvenile court procedures are examined, as well as the appellate process and the role of the United States Supreme Court. Selected current reforms, issues and problems are discussed and cross-cultural comparisons are made.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CJ 112 Crime Delinquency

CJ 217 Correctional Systems & Administration (3 Credits)

This course includes an overview of the organization and administration of the correctional system as a process and as a major component of the American criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on correctional goals and objectives, current philosophies, trends and practices, special problems, issues, controversies and potential directions for the future. Both adult and juvenile corrections are examined, as are selected cross-cultural perspectives.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 250 Crisis Intervention (3 Credits)

This course examines how the criminal justice system deals with crises. Intervention strategies which focus on domestic violence, child abuse, suicide, rape, hostage situations and collective violence are reviewed. Particular attention is given to counseling, arbitration, mediation, referral and negotiation techniques.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 260 Criminal Investigation (3 Credits)

A comprehensive review of the investigation of criminal matters including the full range of activities from the initial notification of the commission of a crime to its final disposition in the criminal justice process is provided in this course. Study encompasses the history and art of investigation, preliminary and follow-up, all evidentiary aspects, crime scene search, interviews and interrogation, identification of suspects, court preparation and presentation.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CJ 112 Crime and Delinquency.

CJ 275 Police & Community (3 Credits)

The interaction between the police and the community is examined in this course. The programs instituted by police in community relations and involvement of the community in establishing police policy and relations are explored. Community policing and other dynamics involved in the police/community relationship are examined.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJS 111 and CJS 112

CJ 300 Victimless Crimes/Organized Crime (3 Credits)

This survey course reviews the sociological and philosophical aspects of victimless and organized crimes and the impact of the two on the criminal justice system. The concept of law and morality are discussed in regard to the "so-called" victimless or public order crimes. The nature and extent of organized crime as well as the determination of federal and state agencies to eradicate it are also discussed.

CJ 301 Terrorism (3 Credits)

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the conceptual and transnational aspects of terrorism. To achieve this end, the historical, psychological and political roots of terrorism are discussed as are other aspects of terrorism, such as state terrorism and narcoterrorism. This course, which emphasizes political terrorism is infused with examinations of domestic and international groups and events. Means of countering and controlling terrorism are also analyzed. Pre-requisite: CJFS 111 Introduction To Criminal Justice.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 Intro to Criminal Justice and CJ 112 Crime and Delinquency.

CJ 302 White Collar Crime (3 Credits)

The illegal and unethical activities of people, businesses, and governments whose ostensible purpose is legitimate enterprise are examined in this course. Corporate activities which seek to expand profit and government activities to obtain and maintain power are analyzed. Political and social factors are emphasized.

CJ 303 Women and Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

This course explores the relationships among women, crime and the criminal justice system in American society. Major emphasis is placed on three general areas: women as offenders, women as victims of crime and women as social control agents or criminal justice professionals. A theoretical and practical perspective is applied in areas such as the nature and extent of female criminality, various aspects of victimization including abused women and rape victims, the victimization aspects of prostitution and finally, women as employees in the system.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 305 Criminal Law (3 Credits)

This course provides students with an overview of criminal law with an emphasis on the major crimes under federal and state jurisdictions. Also emphasized are the concrete rules within the framework of doctrinal policies and principles, and doctrine itself within the web of jurisprudence, moral philosophy and everyday experiences. Hence, there is a detailed presentation of purposes and perspectives concerning criminal law and the principles of liability, as well as a host of concrete rules, all of which illustrate underlying themes.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 306 Crime and the Movies (3 Credits)

This course identifies and analyzes the images and themes of crime and the criminal justice system presented through American films. In particular, crime movies will be studied as major sources of data for uncovering how Hollywood portrays society's struggle with the crime problem. The fundamental role played by film in defining what constitutes deviance and criminality in society will be discussed. This course will also examine how film portrays criminals, police, juvenile delinquents, courts and corrections, along organized crime, and white-collar crime in America.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 307 Contemporary Issues in Trial Processes (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of trial advocacy skills and processes within the American Criminal Justice System. Particular attention is devoted to the various roles played by key participants including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, defendants and victims. The art of effective trial advocacy is demonstrated and practiced through numerous simulations including opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, examination of expert witnesses, and summations. Students will form a team and compete against other universities in the American Mock Trial Association competition.

CJ 308 Multi-Cultural Law Enforcement (3 Credits)

This course will explore the pervasive influence of culture, race and ethnicity on daily encounter and contacts between police offers and civilian employees of police organizations and community members. The focus is on the cross-cultural contact, the need for awareness, understanding of cultural differences and respect for those of different backgrounds. The nature of the police role and its responsibilities in the context of multicultural law enforcement are evaluated.

CJ 309 Trial Process II (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of trial advocacy skills and processes. Numerous simulations (opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, summations) are conducted throughout the semester. Students will form a team and compete against other universities in the American Mock Trial Association competition.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 307

CJ 310 Hate Crimes Seminar (3 Credits)

Course explores and analyzes the phenomena of hate crimes with a focus on racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, and religious stife. Tensions between freedom and equality are examined. The historical, economics, and political roots of such crimes are reviewed as well as the governmental response including federal and state laws.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 311 Violence, Victims, & Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

The course examines the extent, nature, effects, and criminal justice response of three common forms of violence most commonly addressed by victim advocates: intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. This course meets partial fulfillment of the Basic Specialty Training for Victim Advocacy Certification by the National Advocacy Credentialing.

CJ 315 Seminar in Criminal Justice Problems (3 Credits)

This course examines some of the problematic topics in criminal justice and as such addresses some of the ways in which the evolution of crime and criminal justice is manifest. In so doing, areas that have both a domestic and global component are also discussed. Some of the more traditional areas of crime are examined, such as murder, child abuse, etc., as are relatively new issues in the field, such as euthanasia, patriarchal crime and human smuggling. Controversial issues surrounding developments in these areas are debated, as are various approaches to the problems.

CJ 320 Advocacy in the Courts (3 Credits)

This course is designed to teach students advocacy skills and case processing dynamics through classroom simulations and experiential learning opportunities with practitioners in the criminal justice field. Through courtroom observations (virtual and in-person) and interactions with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in class, students will learn tactics and tips for effective advocacy from specialists in the field. Students will receive critique from judges and attorneys on various skills, including opening statements, closing statements, making objections, using demonstratives, and courtroom etiquette. Students will perform various advocacy roles in a New Jersey courthouse with a judge presiding. Student will have an opportunity to debrief with a court actor regarding their observations and experiences. The course culminates with a mock trial.

CJ 325 Criminal Procedure (3 Credits)

This course examines the methods by which the criminal justice system functions. For example, it examines the law surrounding the arresting of suspects, the searching of premises and persons, the interrogation of suspects and the use of police lineups. Since many aspects of criminal procedure are regulated by the U.S. Constitution, particularly, the Bill of Rights, this course emphasizes federal constitutional criminal procedure.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 330 Advanced Trial Process (3 Credits)

This course is designed to build trial advocacy skills and relevant substantive legal knowledge of trial processes. Numerous simulations (opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, summations) are conducted throughout the semester. Students form a mock trial team and compete against other universities in the American Mock Trial Association.

CJ 331 Advanced Trial Process II (3 Credits)

This course is designed to support seasoned NJCU Mock Trial team members in enhancing their trial advocacy skills and substantive knowledge of trial processes. Numerous simulations (e.g. opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses) are conducted throughout the semester to prepare students to compete in AMTA competitions.

CJ 340 Criminal Evidence (3 Credits)

The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the rules of evidence which are most often directed to the courts and concern the admissibility of evidence at trial. Included is a discussion on burdens of proof , judicial notice, presumptions, inferences and stipulations, relevancy and materiality, witnesses, privileges, documentary and real evidence and the hearsay rule and its exceptions. This course is designed for those students interested in the administration of justice and those who are preparing for a career in criminal justice.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 360 Victims Of Crime (3 Credits)

This course examines criminological theory and the practical application of theory in the criminal justice system to the study of victims of crime. The major focus of the course is on victims of crime, primarily victims of traditional crimes as outlined in the Crime Index (Part I) of the Uniform Crime Reports. The impact of these crimes and other categories of lawbreaking on victims, the victim/offender relationship and the victim/criminal justice relationship are discussed.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 370 Minorities & Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

The relationship between racial and ethnic minorities and the criminal justice system is studied in this course. Major emphasis is placed on African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and other minorities and how they interact with the American criminal justice system as victims, criminal offenders and practitioners. Additional emphasis is placed on minorities and how they have historically been affected by criminality and victimization.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 372 Criminal Justice Research (3 Credits)

This an introductory course in the basic theory, principles and techniques employed in criminal justice research. The goal of the course is to provide students with an overview of the research enterprise and its major components. The broad range of research techniques, data collection strategies and analytical tools that serve the needs of the criminal justice system are discussed. An overview is provided of the types of research designs and data collection strategies such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, observational techniques, the use of secondary sources, computers and other technology.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJ 111 and 112

CJ 420 International Criminal Justice (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of major criminal justice systems in the world as well as analysis of international criminal justice issues and international criminal justice organizations. The perspective is comparative and international and designed to broaden the interests and knowledge of students. Cross-national comparisons with countries following the Anglo-Saxon.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJS 111 and CJS 112

CJ 444 Criminal Justice Ethics (3 Credits)

This course examines the moral issues and dilemmas facing practitioners in criminal justice. Practical problems are addressed from the philosophical viewpoints of the study of ethics. Among the topics considered are discretion, police use of deadly force, deception, police corruption and capital punishment.

Pre-Requisite(s): CJS 111 and CJS 112

CJ 462 Current Issues in Public Safety Management (3 Credits)

CJ 463 Management of Public Safety Agencies (3 Credits)

The structure, technology, and human aspects of complex organizations are examined in this course. Industrial, governmental and nonprofit organizations are considered with a special focus on unique purpose systems such as public and service security.

Pre-requisite(s): CJ 111 and CJ 112

CJ 464 Management of Information Systems (3 Credits)

The course objective is to provide students with the capability to analyze, design, implement and evaluate management information systems in public safety organizations. Topics include theories of communication, data acquisition, storage and retrieval, and interface problems. Current trends in information technology are emphasized.

CJ 501 Crime in a Global Context (3 Credits)

Crime in a global context is examined through an investigation of transnational and international crimes. The basic relationship between crimes and international law is studied, with particular emphasis on terrorism, genocide, and human rights violations. Mechanisms for dealing with such crimes, including international proceedings, conventions and treaties are discussed, as are relevant current issues.