Instructor: Trazarra Stelly

Email: stellytn1@lamarpa.edu

Phone: 409-984-6102

Office Hours: Virtual Office Hours- By appointment only, Monday–Thursday, with flexible scheduling. Please contact the instructor via email to arrange a convenient appointment time

Additional Contact Information: Additional Contact Information: Email is my preferred method of contact. You can also contact Ms. Stelly by phone at (409) 984-6504.

This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.

Introduction to Criminal Justice A Brief Edition

Second Edition

John Randolph Fuller

Textbook provided by Wilson Early College High School

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

None.

TSIA complete in reading.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Describe the American judicial systems (civil, criminal, and juvenile), their jurisdiction, development and structure.
• Analyze the function and dynamics of the courtroom work group.
• Identify judicial processes from pretrial to appeal.
• Describe the significant Constitutional Amendments, doctrines, and other sources of law in the American judicial system

• Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate effective, written, oral and visual communication.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
• Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
• Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making

This class is comprised of 5 parts which are listed below. In each section, you will have lectures, required readings, and supplemental videos.

PART I: CRIME: PROBLEMS, MEASUREMENT, AND LAW

Chapter 1: Crime and Criminal Justice

Chapter 2: How Crime is Measured and Who it Affects

Chapter 3: Criminal Law

PART II: ENFORCING THE LAW

Chapter 4:The History and Organization of Law Enforcement

Chapter 5: Police Organization, Operation, and the Law

Chapter 6: Policing: Innovations and Controversies

PART III: THE ROLE OF THE COURTS

Chapter 7: The Courts

Chapter 8: The Courtroom Work Group

Chapter 9: The Disposition: Plea Bargaining, Trial, Sentencing

PART IV: FROM PENOLOGY TO CORRECTIONS AND BACK

Chapter 10: The History of Control and Punishments

Chapter 11: Prisons and Jails

Chapter 12: Community Corrections

PART V: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Chapter 13: Juvenile Justice Chapter

14: Criminal Justice in the Future: issues and Concerns 

Final Projects are due on 11/30/26 before 10 p.m.

Final Presentations in class on 12/2/26 -12/7/26.

90 - 100=A

80 - 89=B

70 - 79=C

60 - 69=D

59- below = F

• Discussion- 20%
• Assignments- 35%
• Tests - 20%
• Final Project-25% 

I do not accept late work. All assignments and course requirements are expected to be submitted by the scheduled deadlines. I understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for situations such as documented medical or personal emergencies. Please communicate with me as soon as possible if you believe your circumstances may warrant an exception.

This course requires in-person, on time attendance. Because participation is critical, your attendance is tied directly to your discussion grade (20% of your total average). Students are expected to log into Blackboard at least three times per week and regularly check course materials, announcements, and assignments.

Cell phones and headphones are not permitted during class. Students are expected to remain engaged and attentive throughout the class period. 

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.