Criminal justice is a necessary institution for maintaining everyone’s safety, but it’s also a hot-button issue. Questions like police brutality, racial profiling, criticism of the prison system, and even cybercrime are sensitive topics and often personal. But they can’t be ignored.
If you’re interested in studying criminal justice, you should be prepared to encounter some of them. Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, provides some insight into what sensitive online criminal justice topics you might face in your studies.
Police Ethics
The question of police ethics is one of the most controversial issues in today’s society, and classroom discussion of the issue can get fairly heated. How do we prevent these situations? How do we define the difference between self-defense and brutality? If you enter into criminal justice studies, you should be prepared to consider questions like these critically and objectively.
You may also need to address other uses of force by law enforcers. For instance, your courses may cover the ability to stop someone and search their bodies, vehicles, or homes. You may also be asked to study police interviews and interrogations, requiring sensitivity and cultural awareness from students.
Race
Any discussion related to the topics of brutality, searching, and interrogation may also involve discussion of race. Racial profiling is a topic that’s older than our nation, and it’s still extremely relevant today. A person’s race can affect how vulnerable they are to surveillance, police violence, searching without consent, and more.
In addition, online criminal justice topics will touch on accusations that minority races are more likely to be wrongly sentenced or given longer sentences than they would otherwise. Be prepared for your criminal justice courses to address racial prejudice as it relates to the perception of crimes and the people who commit them.
Prison Systems
The prison system is another difficult problem with correlations to police ethics and race. There is currently a lot of discussion of mass incarceration and the overflowing of American prisons. Part of the problem is recidivism, or the likelihood that released criminals will become repeat offenders. Is the answer to increase funding for prisons, or is it better to pursue better rehabilitation? Your classes may explore this exact question.
You should also be prepared to discuss sentencing. While some people advocate for equal standards, others argue that age, gender, and mental infirmity should play a part in determining prison sentences and conditions. Questions of juvenile justice, gender, and the insanity plea are difficult and require sensitivity to address.
Justice and Technology
Modern online criminal justice courses discuss how technology plays a part in criminal justice. For instance, social media posts are used more as courtroom evidence now than ever before. Internet surveillance is also a serious topic for consideration, as these tactics are often necessary to prevent cybercrime. However, Identity theft, online sexual predation, and malware all require new strategies to prevent, something criminal justices courses will explore.
Study Criminal Justice Online
If you’re interested in learning more about these sensitive criminal justice topics, consider enrolling for criminal justice courses. Whether you’re looking for a degree or simply want to broaden your horizons, Faulkner University offers a well-rounded criminal justice program that covers all these issues and more. All our classes are available online so you can access them from the convenience of your home. To learn more, contact us today.