SOCL 260 - Criminal Violence and The Courts

Credit(s): 3
This seminar will analyze the social and socio-political structure of the United States court system with a particular emphasis on the ways in which the courts deal with the problem of criminal violence. Students will explore the organization and function of the various courts and their interrelationships in dealing with the perpetrators of violent crimes. Topics to be discussed include a sociological profile of the violent criminal, lawyer assignments, sentencing, the death penalty and its effect on court proceedings, and the effect of mass media on court deliberations. Prerequisites: The Criminal Justice System or equivalent.

Only open to students in the B.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences program.