This course will explore the fundamental values upon which our legal
and criminal justice systems are based, and the ways they are
expressed through specific policies.  Our primary goal will be to
gain an understanding of the different, sometimes conflicting,
concepts of “justice” imbedded in our law and social discourse.  A
central theme of the course and assigned readings is the critical
evaluation our criminal justice systems and whether they (are able
to) achieve these values that comprise “justice.”  Some of the
specific topics that will be discussed include miscarriages of
justice, the value and utility of different types of rights,
fairness and equal treatment in the criminal justice system, and how
to balance individual vs. collective interests.  Major grading
criteria include one mid-term exam and a term paper.

Class meeting:  Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:15-12:30

Instructor:  Adam Trahan, criminal justice department