This course, provides an overview of a broad range of ways of understanding “criminal justice” – as an academic discipline, a philosophical construct, and, most especially, a system and process defining a large-scale enterprise characterized by a complex and fascinating array of public and private agencies, laws, rules, theories, policies, practices, technologies, problems and controversies. Emphasis is placed upon a critical understanding of the key foundations [e.g., constitutions, statutes, case law, administrative rules], components [e.g., law enforcement, courts, corrections], processes [e.g., legislation, arrest, prosecution, conviction, sentencing, correctional intervention], and goals [e.g., due process, crime prevention and control, retribution, reparation] of the criminal justice system and, to a far lesser degree, related social control mechanisms such as mental health, juvenile, and civil justice systems. Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Individual and Society (IN) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.