Biography

The course Introduction to the American Justice System will help students understand the basics of how our courts and trial processes work, and the roles people and the media play throughout this process. We will then dive into topics like mass incarceration, recidivism, the death penalty, the juvenile justice system, and other contemporary issues our justice system currently faces. We will learn about the history of how class, race, and where someone is accused of a crime impacts arrests, convictions, and sentencing. We will also focus on current efforts being made to solve issues within our justice system, and focus on themes of social responsibility and change. Class will be discussion based, and there will be numerous writing, research, and presentation opportunities throughout the course. An honors option will be available for juniors and seniors. FALL or SPRING

Instructor: Katina Balllantyne

Prerequisites: Open to juniors and seniors, and sophomores if space is available. .