Catalog Description
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: This course provides an introduction to concepts and theories of ethical decision-making, moral conduct, obligation, and permission, justice, and responsibility in administration of justice professions. The role of ethics, codes of conduct and appropriate moral judgments necessary in the field will be examined. Provides an understanding of values and integrity which must be displayed, and communication skills necessary to be an effective criminal justice practitioner. (CSU)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
- CSLO #1: Analyze and evaluate the use of the Code of Ethics by criminal justice practitioners.
- CSLO #2: Justify why the criminal justice practitioners need to maintain a positive image to meet public expectations.
- CSLO #3: Evaluate the consequences of unethical behavior by describing the negative effects on the criminal justice system and the community.
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Course Type
Credit - Degree-applicable
Contact Hours
54
Outside of Class Hours
108
Total Student Learning Hours
162
Course Objectives
1. Identify the three major components of the administration of justice system and their respective functions.
2. Identify ethical issues that often arise regarding professional responsibility, public service or law
3. State basic general ethical principles and apply these to different cases.
4. Demonstrate mastery of at least one method for resolving ethical disagreements.
5. Explain the importance of being ethical for both oneself, and for society as a whole.
6. Propose and defend standards for justice and analyze the role of the media and how they influence public perception
7. Analyze and evaluate the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and its application in conflict management.
8. Evaluate the consequences of unethical behavior on the criminal justice system and the community.
9. Demonstrate proper and effective techniques for interacting and communicating with the public.
10. Identify common job stressors and their effects on law enforcement officers and investigate effective coping techniques.
General Education Information
- Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
- CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
- Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
- IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
Articulation Information
- CSU Transferable
- UC Transferable
Methods of Evaluation
- Classroom Discussions
- Example: Students will be required to explain ethical principles, behaviors and concepts in class discussion assignments.
- Reports
- Example: Students will be required to demonstrate learned concepts and principles of ethical behavior through written assignments, quizzes, midterm and final exams.
- Other
- Example: Students will be required to demonstrate learned concepts and principles of ethical behavior through written assignments, quizzes, midterm and final exams
Repeatable
No
Methods of Instruction
- Lecture/Discussion
- Distance Learning
Lecture:
- Instructor will provide lectures regarding the subject matter. Instructor will provide various material related to the subject matter which pertains to ethics. The instructor will initiate class discussions. Instructor will require out of class homework assignments. Instructor will provide practice quizzes to evaluate the students' progress and learning effectiveness.
Distance Learning
- Instructor will provide video lectures and/or zoom sessions regarding the subject matter. Instructor will provide various material related to the subject matter which pertains to ethics. The instructor will initiate class discussions. Instructor will require out of class homework assignments. The instructor will provide practice quizzes to evaluate the students' progress and learning effectiveness.
Typical Out of Class Assignments
Reading Assignments
Students will be required to read the textbook “Ethics in Criminal Justice: Being Ethical When No One is Looking.
Writing, Problem Solving or Performance
Students will be required to complete out of class homework and discussion assignments which involve students conducting research and applying instruction information concerning ethics. Students will apply learned concepts for solving law enforcement ethical situations.
Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)
Students will be allowed to complete extra credit assignments pertaining to ethics, values, morals, integrity and/or professionalism. This requires students to view subject matter videos, read books or papers dealing with the subject matter, and/or conduct research. Students will be allowed to provide a book report approved by the instructor pertaining to the subject matter.
Required Materials
- Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice: Being Ethical When No One Is
- Author: Albanese, Jay S.
- Publisher: Pearson
- Publication Date: November 10, 2015
- Text Edition: 4th
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER:
- Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace
- Author: Spinello
- Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
- Publication Date: 2020
- Text Edition: 7th
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER: