Criminal Justice
21 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CJ 098 Topics Course
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
Varies with topic.
CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 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 that have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process are 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.
CJ 101H Honors Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- A college GPA or high school GPA for first term college students of 3.0 or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 110
Honors-level enriched content regarding the complexities of the criminal justice system. Increased 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 and appraises the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces that have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process are examined in a cross cultural context, increased emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students will also examine the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
CJ 102 Introduction to Corrections
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 200
This course provides a history of and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the criminal justice system, corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution, and an examination of contemporary correctional issues.
CJ 103 Concepts of Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 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.
CJ 103H Honors Concepts of Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- A college GPA or high school GPA for first term college students of 3.0 or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 120
Honors-level enriched content that 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 courses will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision-making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
CJ 104 Prison Experience
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Full background check required
- Transfers to
- CSU
A practical and in-depth study of adult corrections in the United States. This class includes field trips to jails and prisons in the surrounding area, with follow-up analysis, discussion, and written assignments. Full background check required for access to facilities.
CJ 105 Legal Aspects of Evidence
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 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.
CJ 106 Coroner Death Investigations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
The investigation of homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural deaths. Emphasis on evidence collection and identification of cause of death. Topics include violent crime wounds, fire and electrical wounds, traffic collision fatalities, buried bodies, skeletal remains, and autopsy protocols. Field trip may be required.
CJ 107 Principles and Procedures in the Criminal Justice System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 122
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. (Same as Paralegal 107.)
CJ 108 Crime Scene Investigation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 150
This course provides an introduction to the role of forensics in criminal investigations. It examines the methods utilized in the forensic analysis of crime scenes, pattern evidence, instruments, firearms, questioned documents and controlled substances.
CJ 109 Community Interaction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 160
Examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict, with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.
CJ 109H Honors Community Interaction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- A college GPA or high school GPA for first term college students of 3.0 or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 160
Honors-level enriched content regarding community interaction. This course examines and evaluates the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict, with an increased emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics will include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.
CJ 110 Street Gangs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An examination of street gangs in the United States, with emphasis on California and the local area. Topics include ethnic gangs, taggers, hate groups, and prison gangs, and current efforts to suppress their criminal activities, via enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention.
CJ 120 Work Experience - Criminal Justice
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience. Background check may be required by the agency where students are completing the Work Experience hours.
CJ 148 Report Writing for Criminal Justice Personnel
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
To develop practical, precise report writing techniques as well as general writing skills applicable to law enforcement and corrections. This course is offered once each academic year, typically spring. Students should discuss enrollment with an academic counselor.
CJ 198 Topic Course
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Varies with course.
CJ 205 Criminal Investigation Principles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 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.
CJ 209 Organized Crime
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth study of the development and methodology of international organized crime. Host countries and areas include: Italy, Sicily, Japan, China, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, Haiti, Cayman Islands, and Caribbean. Emphasis on economic and societal impacts on the United States.
CJ 210 Drug Abuse and Criminal Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of the recognition, identification, and effects of illegal drugs: opiates, marijuana, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants. Emphasis will also be placed on investigation techniques, use of informants, search warrants, and treatment.
CJ 220 Juvenile Delinquency and Control
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 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 focus on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the Constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American justice system.