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:

          1. 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

          1. 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:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.