Criminal Justice (CRJ)

526 David M. French Hall
(810) 762-3340

Chair: Jennifer Alvey

Associate Chair: Kenneth Litwin
Principal Secretary:

Associate Professors Kenneth Litwin, Joan Mars; Assistant Professors Kimberly Bender, Amanda Kahl Smith

Criminal justice, one of three programs offered through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, is an academic field which examines the actions of the formal social control mechanisms we call the criminal justice system. This system is composed of three subsystems: law enforcement agencies, criminal courts, and correctional facilities. The study of criminal justice requires an examination of the structure and functioning of each of these subsystems, as well as knowledge about the role behavior of the participants. It also involves a critical evaluation of how the administration of justice actually operates in American society. This raises fundamental questions and provides perspectives from which solutions to problems might be drawn.

The content of criminal justice study is interdisciplinary, drawing on theory developed in sociology, law, political science, and other fields. From sociology are derived theories regarding the etiology of crime and delinquency. Law and political science provide information about the development of law and the application of sanctions within the legal process.

Program Mission and Assessment

The promotion of critical thinking, social justice, and civic responsibility is the hallmark of the Criminal Justice program. The mission of the program is to ensure that each student is given the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to critically analyze and negotiate life encounters that are both unique to individuals and shared by all persons. The program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at www.umflint.edu/assessment.

Criminal Justice (CRJ)

Program Mission and Assessment

Programs