Administration of Justice
12 courses · Butte College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AJ 1 Criminology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of criminological theories and their application within diverse societal contexts, examining the interaction between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through a critical lens, students will explore the philosophy of law, the organizational structures of law enforcement at various governmental levels, and the dynamic interrelationships between these entities. Special emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinnings of criminology, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. The course critically addresses the influence of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and culture on crime and criminal justice responses. Through an analysis of contemporary issues, historical developments, and comparative criminology, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to understand the complexities of crime in a global context, fostering a deep appreciation for the contributions and perspectives of diverse groups. Graded only.
AJ 2 Administration of Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 110
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (C-ID AJ 110).
AJ 3 Legal Research
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 34 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to legal research. Students will become familiar with and learn how to use materials commonly found in law libraries via a web-based legal resource. Graded only.
AJ 4 Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 120
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 120).
AJ 6 Evidence
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 124
This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 124).
AJ 8 Criminal Investigation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 140
This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 140).
AJ 10 Juvenile Procedures
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 220
This course is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focuses on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 220).
AJ 11 Criminal Procedure
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 122
This course provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 122).
AJ 13 Organized Crime/Gangs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the interrelations of organized crime, such as gangs and narcotics, to the community. Topics include the impact of covert criminal activities upon the social structure, symptoms of organized crime, political influences in the legal system, and management of crime control units.
AJ 14 Community Oriented Policing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 160
This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict. Emphasis is placed on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law. (C-ID AJ 160).
AJ 97 Special Problems-AJ
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 51-153 hours independent study
- Prerequisite
- Permission of instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised study and practice in solving special problems in the student's career major. Any student interested in registering for a Special Problems course should contact a full-time instructor or chair/coordinator in the appropriate area no later than the last day of the tenth week of instruction. Students may not petition for a Special Problems course until they have completed satisfactorily 12 units of study at Butte College. 51-153 hours Independent Study. This course may be repeated to a maximum of 3.00 units.
AJ 99 Work Experience-AJ
- Units
- 0.5-8
- Hours
- 25.5-408 hours independent study
- Prerequisite
- Permission of Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor
- Transfers to
- CSU
Work experience is an experiential course where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, explore possible career choices, build confidence, network with people in the field, and transition into the world of work. Work experience may include paid or unpaid employment. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every fifty-one hours of work experience. Students may enroll in this course up to 8 unit(s) to complete the entire curriculum of the course. A maximum of sixteen units can be earned in work experience courses during a student’s enrollment with Butte College.