Course Number and Title:
CRJ 217 Ethics in Criminal Justice
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (CRJ 101 or HDM 101) and (ENG 102 or higher)
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course explores the fundamental ethical principles and dilemmas encountered within the criminal justice system. Through case studies, discussions, and analysis of real-world scenarios, students gain a deeper understanding of how ethical theories and frameworks apply to contemporary issues in criminal justice.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Discuss the relationship between law, morality, social responsibility and ethics in criminal justice. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain key ethical theories and concepts as they relate to the criminal justice field. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the criminal justice field. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Describe how ethical decisions are made within the field of criminal justice. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1, 3)
- Examine the impact of unethical practices on individuals, communities and society. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 3)
- Apply ethical theories and decision-making frameworks to criminal justice case studies. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 3, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Discuss the relationship between law, morality, social responsibility and ethics in criminal justice.
- Compare and contrast the concepts of morals, ethics, duties and values.
- Analyze how morals, ethics, duties and values each play a role in decision-making by the criminal justice professional.
- Explain key ethical theories and concepts as they relate to the criminal justice field.
- Compare and contrast the ethical theories of virtue ethics, utilitarianism and formalism.
- Differentiate between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas.
- Explain the importance and impact of discretion in the field of criminal justice.
- Identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the criminal justice field.
- Examine common ethical dilemmas faced by professionals within the field of law enforcement.
- Examine common ethical dilemmas faced by professionals within the legal field.
- Examine common ethical dilemmas faced by professionals within the field of corrections and rehabilitation.
- Describe how ethical decisions are made within the field of criminal justice.
- Review a variety of professional codes of ethics within the criminal justice field.
- Discuss the various influences that impact ethical decision making.
- Examine various frameworks for making an ethical decision in the criminal justice field
- Examine the impact of unethical practices on individuals, communities and society.
- Explore the impact of wrongful convictions, use of excessive force, corruption and prosecutorial misconduct.
- Examine the ways in which unethical behavior in the criminal justice system can be mitigated.
- Apply ethical theories and decision-making frameworks to criminal justice case studies.
- Apply strategies for making ethical decisions in the face of professional challenges and personal biases.
- Reflect on the personal and professional ethics required for a career in criminal justice.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exam (3) (equally weighted) | 50% |
Ethical Case Scenario Project | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Assignments Case Studies Discussion Boards | 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
- Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
- Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
- Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
- Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to criminal justice, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.