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CRJ 224 Juvenile Justice

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the juvenile justice system, including its historical development, philosophical foundations, and legal framework. Students analyze the constitutional rights of juveniles, explore major theories of delinquency, and evaluate key practices such as detention, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, ethical considerations, and the roles of families, schools, and communities in addressing juvenile offending.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: (Test score or ENG 101 or higher) and CRJ 101 and PSY 121

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CRJ 224 Juvenile Justice

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: (Test score or ENG 101 or higher) and CRJ 101 and PSY 121

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the juvenile justice system, including its historical development, philosophical foundations, and legal framework. Students analyze the constitutional rights of juveniles, explore major theories of delinquency, and evaluate key practices such as detention, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, ethical considerations, and the roles of families, schools, and communities in addressing juvenile offending.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine the historical development and evolution of the juvenile justice system. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1)
  2. Analyze the legal and constitutional rights of juveniles in the criminal justice system. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
  3. Examine theories and causes of juvenile delinquency. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3)
  4. Evaluate juvenile justice correctional practices, including detention, incarceration, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 1, 5)
  5. Evaluate the effectiveness of juvenile justice prevention programs. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 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:

  1. Examine the historical development and evolution of the juvenile justice system.
    1. Describe the historical development of the juvenile justice system, including the development of Delaware’s Juvenile Civil Citation.
    2. Examine the historical and philosophical shift in juvenile justice from a focus on punishment to diversion, rehabilitation, and restorative practices.
  2. Analyze the legal and constitutional rights of juveniles in the criminal justice system.
    1. Analyze the constitutional rights of juveniles, including due process, right to counsel, and protection against self-incrimination.
    2. Examine landmark United States Supreme Court cases that have shaped the development of juvenile constitutional rights.
    3. Describe the legal procedures used during key stages in the juvenile justice process, including arrest, detention, adjudication, disposition, and aftercare.
    4. Discuss the legal process, criteria, and consequences of transferring juveniles to adult criminal court.
  3. Examine theories and causes of juvenile delinquency.
    1. Examine the major sociological, psychological, and criminological theories of juvenile delinquency.
    2. Discuss how individual, family, peer, school, and community factors may contribute to juvenile delinquency.
    3. Discuss how these theories apply to real-life juvenile offenders and their involvement in the justice system.
  4. Evaluate juvenile justice correctional practices, including detention, incarceration, rehabilitation, and restorative justice.
    1. Assess the impact of juvenile detention and incarceration on young offenders, including the effects on education, mental health, and future criminal behavior.
    2. Analyze the implications of the various practices used in working with juveniles in the youth rehabilitative system.
  5. Evaluate the effectiveness of juvenile justice prevention programs.
    1. Examine the role of family, community, and schools in preventing and responding to juvenile delinquency.
    2. Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention, diversion, and rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.
    3. Compare and contrast restorative justice approaches and rehabilitation to punitive measures like incarceration and detention.
    4. Analyze evidence-based practices in juvenile justice interventions.

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

Exams (3-4) (equally weighted)

40%

Evidence-Based Research Paper

10%

Delaware’s Approach to Juvenile Justice Project

10%

Formative Assessments

The course will contain various formative assessments, including but not limited to:

  • Quizzes

  • Assignments

  • Career research

  • Journals

  • Discussion boards

40%

Total

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security.
  2. Analyze causes of adult and juvenile crime.
  3. Explain the importance of professionalism, ethics, and critical thinking skills in the field of criminal justice.
  4. Apply skills needed in investigation, report writing, and crisis intervention.
  5. 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)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. 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.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/current/catalog/academics/attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal