This course intends to inform and involve students in the process of evaluating the United States Criminal Justice system through analytical and comparative perspectives. We will cover the historical, legal, and political/policy implications which have collectively shaped the conditions of our policing and prison system since the 1970’s to present-day.

The mode of instruction is lecture/collaboration-based, and classes are In-person.

At the end of this course, students will be able to explain how the USA's present-day carceral system has been shaped by historical politics, policy, and law, apply course concepts to current and historical events, and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how cultural factors such as American exceptionalism and imperialism have undermined the criminal legal system's ability to actualize justice.