CCJ4666 - Victims and Criminal Justice System

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in career areas. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

(1) Demonstrate fluency regarding the concepts governing the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, criminal justice administration, criminal behavior, law, criminal justice issues, and criminology.

(2) Compare and contrast the basic theories, patterns, typologies, and causes of crime.

(3) Examine the roles and challenges faced by the police, courts, and corrections.

(4) Apply criminal justice theories and legal and ethical principles to crime-related problems.

(5) Differentiate between the structures, functions, and interactions of key institutions in the criminal justice field.

(6) Implement policing philosophies, including the analysis and evaluation of criminal evidence, investigation strategies, and surveillance techniques.

(7) Evaluate correctional philosophies and analyze the historical issues and current dilemmas in corrections.

(8) Outline the concepts of due process of law, criminal procedure, the defendant’s rights, the victim’s rights, and constitutional rights.

 
Course Objectives:
Through successful completion of this course, the student is able to:

• Analyze crime victims and why their participation is integral to the criminal justice system. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Examine how crime and crime victimization are measured. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Assess the Legal Cynicism defense prospective and arguments regarding victim blaming. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Differentiate between crime prevention, crime control, and the impact of crime prevention on crime victims. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Compare and contrast family-based, school-based, and police-based crime prevention programs. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Examine the role of first responders and their interaction with crime victims. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Analyze the role of the judiciary (i.e., criminal and civil courts) regarding crime victims, including victim impact statements, restraining orders, and the right to sue in civil court. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Define restorative justice, its history, and its comparison to the traditional criminal justice model. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8)
• Define intimate-partner violence and the types of child abuse, and review the history of child victimization. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
• Compare the various types of economic victimization, including white-collar crimes, corporate criminality, telemarketing, identity theft, and cybercrimes. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
• Examine hate crimes and describe why hate crime legislation is important. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
• Compare terrorism and domestic terrorism, and examine the services provided for victims. (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)

Course Content:
Victimology
Crime Victims and the Criminal Justice System
Interpersonal Victimization
Stranger Victimization
 

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbook” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) JDA Student Success Center, and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating a course that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity & Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299
Office: WAD 227, 863.292.3602 Ext. 5378, vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with a Disability Services Advisor or the Coordinator of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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