Special Topics: Critical and Future Issues in Criminal Justice
Professor A. Roberts
COURSE
DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on critically important current and future issues within the organizations and agencies administering justice services in American society. A discussion of critical issues in law enforcement, juvenile justice, criminal courts, corrections, and services for victims of domestic violence will be emphasized. We will examine the latest technology for combating terrorism and security breaches, and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures. We will also review evidence-based studies on the effectiveness of law enforcement, forensic, juvenile justice, and correctional programs. Other areas to be examined include the following research questions: What types of homicide perpetrators are least likely to recidivate within 3 years of release from incarceration? What are the best types of technology, tools and techniques used by homicide investigators? To what extent have incarcerated violent female offenders been sexually abused in childhood or adolescence? How does the salary of correctional officers compare to correctional teachers and social workers in states with large numbers of incarcerated offenders? Which are more effective in reducing recidivism among offenders--punishment-oriented or rehabilitation-oriented programs; $3.3 billion was allocated through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) II; based on cost-effectiveness studies, was this funding effective in reducing the prevalence of woman battering? The federal Law Enforcement and Crime Control Act funded approximately 100,000 new police officers; was this funding effective in reducing violent crimes in jurisdictions where the additional police officers were located?