About the Program
The Administration of Justice program, with an emphasis in law enforcement, provides students with the skills and knowledge to assist them in obtaining employment in a variety of areas, including law enforcement, corrections, probation, and fish and wildlife. Those already working in law enforcement may take courses at Butte College to enhance their chances for promotional advancement. Students need competency in reading and writing. High school students should take courses in speech, English composition and basic math.
Students in this program will improve their ability to read, write, and analyze situations. Students also will gain a basic understanding of California laws and case law. The AS degree should be considered a step towards a higher degree or specialized instruction. Students who complete the two-year AS degree will have the knowledge and skills to assist them in seeking employment in many different areas of law enforcement.
There are many job opportunities available in federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement. Employment is also available in state and local correctional facilities and county probation offices. To compete successfully with other law enforcement applicants, individuals must be well trained and have a broad educational background. Most positions require at least an Associate's degree.
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2023-2024Program Code: 07269.00AS
Type: Career
General Education: Butte Local
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Explain the historical development and philosophy of law.
Perform legal research independently and interpret, analyze and defend appellate court decisions.
Communicate effectively in a variety of situations and prepare acceptable investigative reports.
Identify and describe modus operandi, basic crime scene investigation, proper identification and collection of evidence.
Describe interview and lawful interrogation techniques.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to the philosophy of law enforcement, professional responsibilities and urban problems, criminology, organization, jurisdiction and interrelationships of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Students are also introduced to professional career opportunities and qualifications required for employment within the field.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (C-ID AJ 110).
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 34.00
This course is an introduction to legal research. Students will become familiar with and learn how to use materials commonly found in law libraries via a web-based legal resource.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. (C-ID AJ 120).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. (C-ID AJ 124).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. (C-ID AJ 140).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level III; English Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focuses on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System. (C-ID AJ 220).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. (C-ID AJ 122).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to the interrelations of organized crime, such as gangs and narcotics, to the community. Topics include the impact of covert criminal activities upon the social structure, symptoms of organized crime, political influences in the legal system, and management of crime control units.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level III
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict. Emphasis is placed on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law. (C-ID AJ 160)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Cooperative Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor
Unit(s): 1.00
- 8.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 0.00
Career Work Experience (CWE) is a course that gives students the opportunity to earn both a grade and units for what they learn on the job related to their vocational major while gaining practical work experience. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every sixty hours of unpaid work experience (60-480 hours unpaid) or seventy-five hours of paid work experience (75-600 hours paid). Students may earn a maximum of sixteen units for all types of Work Experience.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is the study of the fundamentals of public speaking with an emphasis on extemporaneous style delivery. Focus is placed on critical thinking including: the organization of ideas, the use of research, the development of critical analysis in the construction and consumption of messages and the practice of ethical and mindful communication. (C-ID COMM 110).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level IV; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This is an Honors level introductory Public Speaking course. Through a process of thorough analysis, critical thinking, extended discussions, and original oral and written responses, students will study the fundamentals of extemporaneous public speaking. Emphasis is placed on the organization of ideas, the use of research techniques, and the development of critical analysis for problem solving. (C-ID COMM 110).
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Contacts
Marshall Haslem, Chair
(530) 895-2933
Department Office: AHPS 144
(530) 895-2402
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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