This course provides an introduction to the history and development of criminal justice in our country and includes policing and law enforcement, and the adjudication and court process as well as the terminology associated with each system. Theories on crime, prison, community corrections and reentry discussions for both juvenile and adult systems will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on an overview to the major sociological and psychological perspectives on variations from normative individual and group behaviors prevalent in the U.S. society while providing a strengths perspective in which to understand them. Finally, this course will evaluate the delicate balance between community interest and personal freedom that criminal justice decision-making requires.