Sponsor: Luis Hinojosa
Many students are interested in the criminal justice program by the prospect of learning about crime and the process of the criminal justice system. Many of them look forward to the roles they may one day fill in allocating justice, either as citizens or in careers with the police, courts, or corrections. Students in criminal justice need a solid foundation of valid information about the subject and second, a way to think about this information. Students need conceptual tools that enable them not only to absorb a large body of factual content but also to process that information critically, reflect on it, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.
The criminal justice system is a response to a problem in America that has drawn the attention of all societies from the beginning of time: crime. To better understand the system, how it works, and why crime persists in spite of our efforts to control it, we as students examine both the nature of criminal behavior and the functioning of the justice system itself.
The study of criminal justice offers an astonishing view of a vital social problem. The field of criminal justice aims to supply knowledge and develop policies to deal with criminality. However, it is a challenge to a democracy to develop policies that deal with crime while still preserving individual rights, the rule of law, and justice. Criminal justice requires psychologists’ contributions about the thinking and behavior of individuals. Policies are developed in national, state, and local political arenas.
At Crystal City High School students benefit greatly from this course, even if they don’t choose to enter this field of work. It enables them to be a better and more understanding citizen for their community.
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