Online Class: Criminology — The Anatomy of American Justice

This course goes beyond surface-level facts, diving into the real-world interplay between police, courts, and corrections, while unraveling the myths shaped by pop culture. Whether you're pursuing a career in law or simply seeking to understand the intricacies of justice, this course will empower you with the knowledge to engage critically with one of society’s most vital institutions.

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  • 6
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5,629
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 3
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Justice. Order. Punishment. These are not just words—they are the bedrock of every thriving society. In the United States, the criminal justice system embodies these principles, striving to balance safety, fairness, and freedom for all. Yet, it’s an immense, ever-evolving world that can seem impenetrable. The truth is, understanding it is crucial, not just for those with ambitions in law or behavioral sciences, but for every engaged citizen.

Our course, The Anatomy of American Justice, is more than an academic exploration. It’s a journey into the heart of a system that affects every aspect of society. Whether you’re intrigued by crime and punishment or simply want to understand the machinery that keeps the scales of justice balanced, this course will transform the way you see the world around you.

A Living, Breathing System

Imagine the criminal justice system as a living organism—complex, interconnected, and vital. No single part works alone. The police, courts, corrections, and lawmakers are all threads in a tightly woven fabric. Like the roots of a vast tree, they branch out, stretching across society, shaping our laws, our freedoms, and our sense of safety.

This course takes you deep into that living organism. It doesn’t offer a surface-level view. You’ll explore the underpinnings of American justice, uncovering the ideologies and principles that form its backbone. From the moment you begin, you’ll see how every decision made by a police officer, judge, or lawmaker ripples through the entire system—affecting lives, shaping policy, and maintaining order.

Why This Course?

Because this isn’t just about facts and figures—it’s about gaining real, meaningful insight into one of the most powerful systems in the world. It’s about stepping into a world most people only see in headlines or dramatized on screen. By the end of your experience, you won’t just understand the what of the criminal justice system; you’ll grasp the why behind every action, every law, and every verdict.

The reality of our system is more complex, more nuanced, and more fascinating than any movie or television show could ever depict. Shows like Law & Order may introduce us to courtroom drama, but this course will take you behind the scenes—into the real world of police work, legal battles, and the fight for justice.

A System That Reflects Society

In 2020, more than 2.3 million people were incarcerated in the U.S. alone. These staggering numbers reflect not just the severity of crimes committed, but the weight of societal decisions—decisions that shape how we punish, how we rehabilitate, and how we strive to balance justice with mercy. This course takes you to the core of those decisions, unpacking the moral, legal, and social complexities that come with running one of the largest justice systems on earth.

You’ll uncover the fundamental forces that drive crime and learn how society responds. The exploration doesn’t stop at the law itself—it digs deeper into the psychology of criminals, the motivations behind criminal behavior, and the challenges law enforcement faces every day on the frontlines.

Pop Culture and Perception

You’ve seen it all before, right? The detective hero who breaks all the rules to catch the villain. The dramatic courtroom confession. The flashy forensic lab solving crimes in minutes. But how much of that is real? In this course, we’ll unravel the myth from the reality, using pop culture references as a lens to analyze the true nature of the system. You’ll discover how shows like CSI and True Detective shape public perception, and why reality often presents a much more complicated picture.

An Unbiased Exploration

Here, there are no political slants, no prepackaged ideologies. This is an honest, impartial exploration of justice in America. You’ll see the triumphs—the moments when justice prevails and society is made better. But you’ll also confront the failures, the inequities, and the moments that challenge the very idea of fairness. This balanced approach ensures that by the end, you’ll have a well-rounded, nuanced understanding of the system, able to appreciate both its strengths and its flaws.

Whether you’re preparing for a career in law, curious about the inner workings of the justice system, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the world, this course offers something invaluable: clarity. It offers you a roadmap through the maze of laws, courts, and corrections that define American justice, empowering you with the knowledge to think critically about crime, punishment, and the very concept of justice itself.

The Time Is Now

The American criminal justice system is not a static entity. It changes, it adapts, and with it, our society shifts too. This course provides you with the insight to not just witness these changes, but to understand them. You’ll emerge not just as someone who understands the system, but as someone who can engage with it thoughtfully and meaningfully.

So, why wait? Dive into the heart of justice, explore its complexities, and uncover the truths that shape our world. The Anatomy of American Justice isn’t just another course—it’s your key to understanding the system that shapes our society. Start your journey today, and see the world through the lens of justice.

Course Motivation

Imagine diving into the intricate world of crime, where every clue matters, and each piece of evidence could be the key to unraveling a mystery. You're not just a spectator; you're in the thick of it, exploring the minds of criminals, the complexity of the justice system, and the power of forensic science.

You’ve always been drawn to true crime stories—captivated by how investigators crack the case, how the legal system brings justice, and how society handles those who break the law. Now, imagine channeling that passion into something more, something that equips you with real knowledge and understanding.

Enter Criminology Basics, an online course designed to immerse you in the real-life workings of crime and justice. From the very first lesson, you'll find yourself stepping into the shoes of detectives, lawyers, and even forensic experts. Each session peels back the layers of the criminal justice system, revealing the unseen mechanics that drive the police, courts, and correctional facilities.

You don’t have to wait for the next semester or the perfect moment to begin—enrollment is always open. You can jump in whenever the time feels right for you. The best part? The entire course is laid out in six manageable lessons, each one designed to give you a clear and unbiased look at how crime is controlled, how criminals are rehabilitated, and what really happens inside prisons.

As you move through each lesson, you’ll start to understand the legal and behavioral sides of crime. You’ll decode the inner workings of police forces, unravel the complexity of courtrooms, and gain a clear picture of the rights citizens hold and how these intersect with law enforcement powers. You’ll walk away with a true understanding of how justice is served—or sometimes, where it falters.

There are no extra books to buy, no hidden fees. The course comes fully equipped with all the materials you’ll need, making it easy to dive straight into learning. And the assignments? They go beyond simple multiple-choice questions, encouraging you to think critically, form opinions, and make judgments on some of the most challenging issues facing society today.

By the end of your journey, you'll have gained more than just knowledge. You'll have the tools to define the purpose of the criminal justice system, identify its key components, and truly understand the relationship between crime, the law, and human behavior. Whether you're aiming for a career in criminal law, behavioral science, or simply have a thirst for understanding the world of crime, this course is your gateway.

So why wait? Your journey into the world of criminology is just a click away. Dive in and explore what truly makes justice tick.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,124 votes)

Lesson 1. The Criminal Justice System

38 Points
The criminal justice system is a dynamic and essential framework within society, designed to maintain order, safeguard individuals, and ensure justice is both served and perceived as fair. It functions like a living organism, in that it has many interconnected parts working both independently and together to achieve common goals.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introductions
  • Complete: Assignment 1: Do we need a criminal system?
  • Complete Assignment: Laws
  • Assessment: Lesson 1- The Criminal Justice System

Lesson 2. The Criminal and the Crime

90 Points
In this lesson we will examine the legal and behavioral aspects of crime: such as why things are not legal, who are the criminals, the types of crimes committed, what goes on in a criminals mind, the statistics and the extent of crime. Additional lesson topics: Criminal Types; Cyber Crime
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 2: Does Crime really pay?
  • Complete Assignment: White Collar Crime
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. The Police - Part 1: To Serve and Protect

57 Points
In this lesson we will examine the nature of police work, who are the police, what do the police do, what resources they use, the development and structure of police systems in the United States, and what are the limitations of the police structure? Additional lesson topics: Entrapment vs Sting; The first Police Department in America; US Police Systems
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 3: Is there an alternative to forcing good behavior?
  • Complete Assignment: The First Police Department in America
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. The Police - Part 2: Their Powers, Procedures, and Problems

42 Points
Police officers, as agents of the state, hold a unique position of authority that enables them to enforce laws and ensure public safety. They possess a "monopoly on force," meaning they have the exclusive legal right to arrest, search, interrogate, and, if necessary, use force—including lethal force—to carry out their duties. Additional lesson topics: Bootleggers and the Police
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 4: Why Do Some Police Break the Law?
  • Complete Assignment: Bootleggers and the Police
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. The Courts - Part 1: The Players

57 Points
In this lesson we will examine the structure of American Criminal Courts and the players involved, the prosecutors, defense attorneys, the judge, and other performers at the bar of justice. Additional lesson topics: United States Justice System
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 5: Do you think our justice system is too complex?
  • Complete Assignment: The American Justice System
  • Complete Assignment: The Supreme Court
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. The Courts - Part 2: Justice is Served

224 Points
The criminal justice system in the United States is a multifaceted and meticulously structured mechanism designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and justice. The journey of a criminal trial, from the initial arrest to the final verdict, is filled with a series of carefully designed steps that ensure all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case. Additional lesson topics: Death Sentence; Life in Prison
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Assignment 6: Retributive or Rehabilitative?
  • Complete: Final Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Is the Death Penalty effective in deterring crime?
  • Assessment: Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6- The Courts (Part 2)
508
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the criminal justice system.
  • Summarize the role of police in society.
  • Summarize the power, procedures, and problems of police in society.
  • Describe the court systems and court procedures in society.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Criminology: The Anatomy of American Justice
Course Number: 9770641
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (2,124 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: July 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I think this course was very useful and gives a broad but deeper understanding of all the components/parties that come together to create the justice system." -- Rebecca B.
  • "I liked this course a lot because it helped me learn more about the law much more than I already knew." -- Terrence H.
  • "I really enjoyed this course and the instructor was very helpful and really made me think about my assignments." -- Joy J.
  • "I thought the course was insightful and well laid out and very easy to follow along with." -- Jessica lynn H.
  • "I LOVED THE COURSE! I LEARNED A LOT!" -- Sarah A.
  • "I really learned alot in this course and enjoyed working with the instrutor." -- Jennifer K.
  • "The whole course was very helpful." -- Jennifer K.