# Criminal Justice (CJ) courses

Coastline College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 7 courses

Source: https://catalog.cccd.edu/coastline/course-descriptions/credit-courses/cj/

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027.

### CJ C110 — Criminal Investigation

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **C-ID:** AJ 140
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course examines fundamental principles and procedures employed to effectively investigate criminal cases. Students explore traditional methods used to manage crime scenes, preserve evidence and write reports. Students also recognize how to effectively develop sources of information, as well as obtain information from witnesses and suspects. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of specific crimes and the role of the investigator as a liaison in the criminal trial.

### CJ C128 — Criminal Procedure

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **C-ID:** AJ 122
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/coastline-college/schedule/spring-2027/cj.md)
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter

This course explores some of the basic protections the U.S. Constitution affords citizens against government intrusion when individuals are suspected of criminal conduct. It allows students to analyze legal and practical problems related to search and seizure, arrest, and interrogation law from the prospective of both law enforcement and the community member. Topics include important legal concepts such as the exclusionary rule, stop, and frisk, probable cause, and Miranda warnings.

### CJ C135 — Introduction to Policing

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/coastline-college/schedule/spring-2027/cj.md)
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course gives students an overview of the police and their mission. It examines the evolution of policing as well as methods, issues, and challenges to present day policing. The course also looks at technology in the service of law enforcement and explores the future of policing. Emphasis is placed on the student's developing a proper understanding of police accountability and ethical behavior.

### CJ C140 — Introduction to Criminal Justice

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **C-ID:** AJ 110
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/coastline-college/schedule/fall-2026/cj.md)
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

An introductory course that examines the history, development and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. Provides an overview of law enforcement, courts and correctional systems in a democratic society. Topics include the major theories of crime and correctional systems in a democratic society. Topics include the major theories of crime causation, the nature and scope of police work, the role of courts and prison life in the United States. It covers recent trends in terrorism prevention and homeland security matters.

### CJ C141 — Criminal Law

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **C-ID:** AJ 120
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/coastline-college/schedule/fall-2026/cj.md)
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

An introduction to the general doctrines of criminal liability. This course covers the historical and philosophical foundations of criminal law, as well as its purpose and structure. Students examine major conceptual legal principles and terminology. Topics include constitutional issues, legal causation, criminal defenses, parties to a crime, and inchoate offenses. Emphasis is placed on court decisions and their impact on law enforcement activities.

### CJ C146 — Written Communication for Criminal Justice

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course presents techniques for accurately communicating information and ideas in a clear, concise manner within the context of the criminal justice community. It focuses on developing the student's ability to organize information and prepare effective written correspondence in a law enforcement, court, or correctional environment. The course emphasizes instruction in the mechanics of writing, vocabulary development, and methods of effectively gathering information. Students practice note-taking, report writing, and investigative strategies to assist in the administration of justice.

### CJ C148 — Multicultural Studies in Criminal Justice

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 lecture hours
- **C-ID:** AJ 160
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/coastline-college/schedule/spring-2027/cj.md)
- Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

This course examines current issues and social problems relating to the administration of justice in a culturally diverse society. It focuses on the cross-cultural contact that criminal justice professionals have with citizens, victims, suspects, and coworkers from diverse backgrounds. The course emphasizes law enforcement's responsibility to develop a better understanding of cultural differences and respect toward those of different backgrounds. Topics include prejudice in law enforcement, hate crimes, jury bias, racial profiling, disparate treatment in prisons, and terrorism/homeland security considerations.