For the budding new student of criminal justice, stability and flexibility are crucial components to building a long and successful career. Whether one is beginning his/her path to a career in criminal justice or is already a working professional, Florida National University (FNU) offers programs that allow students to fortify their skills and develop an expanded knowledge base. This enables graduates of FNU programs to better serve their future careers in the criminal justice system. Below, FNU has assembled a list of essential classes that will turn any student into a capable professional:
- Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law is an excellent place to begin one’s education in the field as it lays the foundation upon which students can further build their understanding. The U.S. Constitution is the foundation of the United States’ law system. Gaining a proper understanding of the U.S. Constitution is a great way to dive directly into the various aspects of the U.S. Government and to learn how it operates. Students will learn about the rights that all people share and why they are so important to defend. This course will also address the delicate balance that sustains these rights and their neutral nature.
- Ethics in the Criminal Justice System
Ethics in the criminal justice system offers keen insight into some of the most difficult to understand issues that surround the practice and interpretation of the law. The course identifies ethical concerns in both practice and theory. It also explores ethical dilemmas and proposes the means through which criminal justice professionals might resolve these issues. Developing a working understanding of real-life ethical issues and the philosophy employed in creating a resolution to those issues is part of what will help bring a student’s understanding of criminal justice to the next level.
- Cyber Crime
The current landscape of the criminal justice system has seen changes in the wake of more prominent cybercrimes. Because the internet has become an integral platform for communications and business, the need for more comprehensive enforcement of policies and laws regarding cybercrimes has seen an influx. This course allows students to understand the rapidly evolving world of cybercrime, offers details regarding how to navigate its complex web of policy changes, and offers the implication that such acts carry in the non-digital world.
- Criminal Law
The study of criminal law makes up a substantial part of the body of law. It encompasses laws that relate to major crimes, their defenses, criminal sanctions, and the punishment issued to those who infringe upon these laws. Criminal law works to secure social order and mitigate those elements that see fit to threaten, harm or endanger property, health, safety and the moral welfare of people. As a fundamental aspect of law, students will gain a firm understanding of the concepts of criminal law that will go on to inform and solidify any future knowledge built upon it.
- Tort Law
Much like criminal law, tort law is one of the major areas of law — so much, in fact, that it accounts for more civil litigation than any other type. Tort law relates to neglect and cases that result in wrongful harm as a result of negligence. This can include anything from defamation and product liability to damages. With such a large portion of litigations being related to tort, it’s obvious how important it is for students to have a commanding knowledge of it.
- Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is the intersection where psychology and the legal system meet. Using the skills developed in the forensic psychology class, students will have a clearer understanding of topics such as competence to stand trial, child custody and visitation, workplace discrimination, and the definition of insanity (which changes on a state by state basis). This will allow them to communicate with judges and other legal professionals with ease. Accordingly, this knowledge also allows one to understand the actions of the individuals who go on to commit crimes. Forensic psychology provides an insight into the internal and external variables that result in criminal behavior.
- The Law of Evidence
Evidence is a fundamental part of courtroom proceedings, and a tool that litigators employ in order to solidify or dismiss accusations. The Law of Evidence course explores the fundamental understanding and importance of evidence in the legal system, as well as describes its implicit uses. This course is designed to instill students with an operational understanding of evidence and the role that it plays in criminal and civil litigation. The knowledge gained from the course allows one to understand and utilize evidence, confidently.
- Research Methods for Criminal Justice
A litigator is only as strong as their research allows them to be. Without a tried and true methodology in place for litigators to conduct their research, there is little hope for an effective courtroom strategy. The Research Methods for Criminal Justice class will aid in imparting strong research skills to students, allowing them to prepare thorough and effective research. The course teaches the basic methods used in criminal justice research with an emphasis on research design.
FNU: Preparing You for the Future!
Being prepared for the future is always a worthwhile endeavor, and with the help of FNU, you can put your worries aside. By enrolling in a comprehensive criminal justice program, you’ll quickly lay the foundation towards becoming a professional. Would you like to become a professional in something other than criminal justice? Take a look at the full FNU program Catalog, and apply today to start preparing for your future.
