Administration of Justice

Overview

The criminal justice system represents the most visible exercise of the government’s power and authority. The system must work in a fair, unbiased, and professional manner so that it and its many institutions maintain trust and legitimacy in the eyes of the people. It is therefore critically important that those employed by those institutions are knowledgeable about the United States Constitution, state constitution, state laws, and the duties and responsibilities associated with their position. They must also know the limits of their authority and remember that the criminal justice system is only able to function effectively when its members work in the service of the people. The Administration of Justice program at Skyline College is intended to be more than an extension of the police academy curriculum. Rather than being focused on law enforcement, it explores the many institutions that make up the criminal justice system’s three components: police, courts, and corrections. Students will learn about each component and its history, both good and bad, so they can see what has worked well and not so well over the years.

The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge about the criminal justice system while teaching them how to interpret and critically analyze information. Critical thinking is a primary focus, as is ethical decision making. Students are encouraged to think broadly, challenge preconceived notions, and question the status quo so they can help the criminal justice system do more than it has been able to do in the past and meet the unique challenges it will face in the future. This knowledge will ultimately help students better serve their communities while working within the system. The curriculum is also designed to prepare students for continued study at a four-year college or university in disciplines such as criminal justice, sociology, and psychology, and to go even further if their long-term goal is to attend law school or obtain a master’s degree.

Career Opportunities

Those who choose to obtain employment after graduation from the program can serve in any number of law enforcement, judicial, or correctional roles. There is a considerable need for people in all facets of California’s criminal justice system, and this need will persist for the foreseeable future. Wages vary based on the position and location, but government institutions at the state, county, and municipal levels generally offer stable employment with competitive wages and benefits, as well as a pension not offered by private employers. Serving as a member of the criminal justice system will allow graduates to serve their communities in a real and demonstrable way. They will be able to do their part to ensure that it operates in a fair and unbiased manner and remains focused on the public good. In short, they will be able to be the change they want to see in the system.

Program	Type	Total Units
Administration of Justice	AS	60 Units
Administration of Justice for Transfer	AS-T	60 Units
Administration of Justice	CA	24 Units

Mission Statement

The mission of the Administration of Justice program is to provide students with the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills required to serve as capable and ethical members of the criminal justice system and prepare them for continued study at one of California’s four-year colleges or universities.

Program Goals

• Provide exceptional instruction from academically qualified instructors in a curriculum designed to prepare students for continued professional and academic success upon graduation.

• Offer core and elective courses that provide students with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and related specialty areas.

• Remain abreast of criminal justice related research, as well as current events impacting California’s criminal justice system such as court decisions, Attorney General opinions, and changes in state law so that course materials include the most up-to-date and relevant information available.

• Encourage and support faculty-student interaction, intra-discipline collaboration, and scholarly activities intended to enhance students’ academic experience.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the structure and functions of the main components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice.
• Recognize the importance of, and practice of, ethical behavior in a professional criminal justice work setting, both within the agency and within the community.
• Exhibit strong and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Critically consider, analyze, and research special issues in criminology and criminal justice and their effects on society.