AJ 112: Community and the Justice System

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Explain the history and evolution of multiculturalism in the U.S. and the challenges presented by a multicultural society
  • Identify and explain key issues that pose conflict between diverse communities and the courts, police, and corrections
  • Identify and describe the strategies for the administration of justice in a multicultural society

Major Course Content

  1. Evolving nature of multiculturalism
    1. ​The interface of diversity and law enforcement
    2. Culture and its relevance to law enforcement
    3. Dimensions of diversity
    4. Prejudice in law enforcement
    5. Recruitment of a diverse workforce
  2. Multicultural populations
    1. Asian/Pacific Americans
    2. African Americans
    3. Latino/Hispanic Americans
    4. Arab Americans and other Middle Eastern Groups
    5. Native Americans
  3. Demographics of interest communities
    1. Youth
    2. Elderly
    3. Disabled
    4. Veterans
    5. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victimization
    6. Low socio-economic residents
    7. Immigrants
    8. Homeless
    9. Mentally ill
  4. Policing the community
    1. Cross-cultural communication for law enforcement
    2. Interviewing and data gathering
    3. Response strategies for gangs, homeless, and the mentally ill
    4. Hate/Bias Crimes
    5. Racial Profiling
    6. Peace officer image in multicultural communities
    7. Impact of terrorism
    8. Response to global and regional events in multicultural communities
    9. Technology and innovations
  5.   Courts and the Community
    1. Court services for unique communities
    2. Specialized legal services
    3. Overcoming language barriers
    4. Sentencing alternatives
  6. Managing/Policing diverse populations in correctional settings
    1. Risk and Needs Assessment for inmates
    2. Recognition and respect for Constitutional Provisions
    3. Formation of inmate communities by ethnic identity
    4. Community Corrections 
  7. Strategies for facilitating conflict resolution in a multicultural society
    1. The future of peacekeeping strategies
    2. Police leadership in professionalism
    3. Retention and promotion of a diverse workgroup
    4. Profiling as a legal tool
    5. Communication strategies
    6. Data collection
    7. Professional accountability

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Electronic or print versions of local newspapers
Review web and print material related to the various cultures, religions and practices of people throughout the U.S. and world populations

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will identify a local community issue, review literature and electronic databases to gain information about the topic and prepare a four to five page report in APA format which identifies the topic and provides statistics and/or examples of the issue and its impact on the relationship between the community and the administration of justice system. Students will identify and recommend a strategy to minimize conflict and enhance this relationship.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will review text material and instructor prepared material to prepare for class discussions
Review class notes and handouts and assigned readings to prepare for quizzes and exams
Complete on line extra credit assignments if appropriate
Conduct research and prepare a written report demonstrating the ability to conduct research and critically assess material.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture