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Comparative Criminal Justice

UPDATE: All my courses now come with custom Certificate of Completion.

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UPDATE: All my courses now come with custom Certificate of Completion.

This course examines differences in crimes and criminal justice systems in different cultural backgrounds. It discusses crime in an international context, from how crime is defined to how policing is managed to how trials are conducted to how punishments are given for those convicted of crimes. You will learn how and why it is so difficult to compare and contrast two different cities in the same country, or two different regions of the same country, or even two different countries. Differing definitions of crime, different ways of tracking crime, different legal systems, and different philosophies and cultural practices all combine to make comparing criminal justice systems and their outcomes difficult. This is a standard course in any criminal justice program at the undergraduate level, and is a required course in many social science programs. It is taught by a University Professor with a PhD in Criminal Justice and 12+ years of teaching experience. Lectures:IntroductionTypes of Research Methodological Difficulties Data SourcesPolicingEthicsInternational Policing Pre-Trial ProsecutionCourtsJudges Juries PunishmentPrison The Death PenaltyThe Death Penalty in the United States Environmental CrimePollutionState CrimeGenocideInternational LawWar Crimes Tribunals and the International Criminal Court This course can be taken by beginners or as a sequel to the introduction to criminal justice course.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by an experienced University Professor with a PhD in Criminal Justice for 12+ years, which is usually found only in graduate-level programs
Covers criminal justice systems comprehensively, from policing to punishment, and includes environmental crime and state crime, which are rarely explored in introductory courses
Examines international crime and criminal justice systems, providing a comparative perspective that is essential for professionals working in a globalized world
Provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or related fields
Includes real-world examples and case studies, making the concepts relatable and easier to understand
Offers a custom Certificate of Completion, which can serve as proof of knowledge and skills acquired

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Career center

Learners who complete Comparative Criminal Justice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
International Criminal Prosecutor
An International Criminal Prosecutor prosecutes international crimes. This course will help build a foundation for this complex role by providing understanding of criminal justice in different cultural backgrounds. It will provide knowledge on various aspects such as crime definitions, law enforcement, trials, and punishments around the world. Understanding these differences will enable the Prosecutor to approach cases with a broader perspective and effectively navigate international legal frameworks.
Correctional Officer
A Correctional Officer supervises and maintains order in correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails. This course would provide valuable knowledge for a Correctional Officer, as it will give them insight into the international context of crime and punishment. The course will help them in understanding how different cultural backgrounds shape the criminal justice system, and how this affects the lives of inmates. The course covers sentencing disparities, prison conditions, rehabilitation programs, and the role of culture in shaping the criminal justice system. Correctional Officers can gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of their role and develop more effective strategies for managing inmates.
Police Officer
A Police Officer enforces the law and protects the public. This course may be helpful for a Police Officer, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable the Police Officer to interact with people from diverse backgrounds with greater understanding and empathy.
Lawyer
A Lawyer represents clients in court and provides legal advice. This course may be helpful for a Lawyer, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Lawyer to better understand the legal systems of other countries, which can be beneficial when representing clients who are from different cultural backgrounds or when working on international cases.
Criminologist
A Criminologist studies the causes and consequences of crime. This course may be useful for a Criminologist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Criminologist to conduct research on crime and criminal justice in a more informed way, with consideration for cultural and international contexts.
Forensic Scientist
A Forensic Scientist analyzes evidence in criminal cases. This course may be helpful for a Forensic Scientist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Forensic Scientist to better understand the context of their work and how their findings can contribute to the criminal justice process.
Intelligence Analyst
An Intelligence Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets information to assess threats and risks. This course may be helpful for an Intelligence Analyst, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable the Analyst to better understand the motivations and behaviors of criminals, and to develop strategies for preventing and combating crime.
Probation Officer
A Probation Officer supervises and provides guidance to individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are on probation. This course may be useful for a Probation Officer, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Probation Officer to better understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective strategies for their rehabilitation.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people overcome social and emotional challenges. This course may be helpful for a Social Worker, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Social Worker to better understand the challenges faced by individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, and to develop effective strategies for supporting them.
Politician
A Politician makes and enforces laws. This course may be helpful for a Politician, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Politician to make more informed decisions about criminal justice policy, and to advocate for policies that are fair and effective.
Journalist
A Journalist writes and reports on news and current events. This course may be helpful for a Journalist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Journalist to report on crime and criminal justice issues with greater accuracy and depth.
Teacher
A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful for a Teacher, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Teacher to incorporate criminal justice topics into their lessons, and to help students develop a greater understanding of the role of law and order in society.
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. This course may be helpful for an Anthropologist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable an Anthropologist to conduct research on crime and criminal justice from a cultural perspective.
Sociologist
A Sociologist studies human societies and social behavior. This course may be helpful for a Sociologist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Sociologist to conduct research on crime and criminal justice from a sociological perspective.
Psychologist
A Psychologist studies the human mind and behavior. This course may be helpful for a Psychologist, as it will provide them with a broader understanding of the criminal justice system in different cultural backgrounds. The course covers topics such as the definition of crime, policing, ethics, prosecution, and punishment. This knowledge will enable a Psychologist to better understand the psychological factors that contribute to crime and criminal behavior.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Comparative Criminal Justice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of international criminal law. It includes cases and materials on topics such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of policing in the 21st century. It covers topics such as community policing, crime prevention, and the use of technology in policing.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of international law. It covers topics such as the sources of international law, the different types of international law, and the enforcement of international law.
Provides a history and analysis of war crimes tribunals and the International Criminal Court. It explores the different types of war crimes tribunals, the challenges of prosecuting war crimes, and the impact of war crimes tribunals.
This widely cited book offers a comparative analysis of police systems around the world, examining their historical development, organizational structures, and operational practices.
Provides a comparative examination of correctional systems in various countries, focusing on the historical development, organizational structures, and policies related to punishment and rehabilitation.
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of victimology, covering the nature and extent of victimization, the experiences of victims, and the criminal justice system's response to victims.
This comprehensive reader offers a multidisciplinary perspective on terrorism, covering the historical, political, economic, and social factors that contribute to its emergence and spread.
Provides a critical analysis of the global war on crime and drugs, arguing that its militarized approach has failed to reduce drug use or related harms.
Explores the relationship between policing and social justice, examining the challenges and opportunities for creating more equitable and just policing practices.

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