Lesson 13: The Criminal Justice System
Attention
Lady Justice is often depicted as holding scales in one hand, a sword in the other, and being blindfolded...what are the iconographic meanings of these symbols?
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
- Identify key components of the Criminal Justice System
- Explore the relationship between Civil and Criminal court systems
- Apply these perspectives to personal interactions with the Criminal Justice System
Teaching
Lecture: Perspectives on Deviance (Part I)
Lecture: Perspectives on Deviance (Part II)
Lecture: Perspectives on Deviance (Part III)
Lecture: Perspectives on Deviance (Part IV)
Lecture: The Criminal Justice System
Frivolous Law Suites
We have all heard about weird court cases where plaintiffs have made off will lots of money...most of what we hear is not correct. Click HERE to review a short report (with interesting links to more information) on the status of Frivolous Law Suites in America.
Criminal Justice in America
Click HERE to download a GREAT document outlining the process of the Criminal Justice System...it is very enlightening!
Culture and Crime
Click HERE to view an interesting, short article on the possible relationship between the advancement of higher culture and the incidence of crime in Western Civilization. Good read!
Assessment
Lesson 13 Discussion
Consider how good a job do you think the Criminal Justice System is doing in terms of providing Social Control in our society. Be sure to consider how the media might paint a very different picture than the true reality.
Reflect on your own interactions in the Criminal Justice System.