In this year-long pathway, you’ll explore how the criminal justice system works—from why crimes happen to how police, courts, and corrections respond. You’ll study crime trends, victims’ experiences, and the laws and theories behind our justice system, then dive into criminal law to learn what counts as a crime, how laws are written, and how court cases move through state and federal systems. Along the way, you’ll discover how fields like psychology and sociology shape modern corrections, and you’ll gain real-world insight through guest speakers and hands-on learning experiences.
Skills Developed
This pathways helps students build a strong set of academic, legal, and professional skills. Through studying crime theories, constitutional rights, and major Supreme Court cases, students develop critical thinking and a solid understanding of how the criminal justice system operates. Hands-on experiences—such as report writing, mock trials, and search-warrant simulations—strengthen practical legal and procedural skills while improving written and verbal communication. Frequent discussions, debates, and teamwork build confidence in public speaking and collaborative problem-solving. Field visits and interactions with guest speakers also give students valuable insight into real criminal justice careers and how agencies work together to address current issues in law and society.
Careers
Police Officer Average Salary $83K
Victim Advocate Average Salary $72K
Court Clerk* Average Salary $44K
Probation Officer* Average Salary $67K
Social Worker Average Salary $69K
Policy Advocacy Average Salary $58K
*Can apply for internships at age 18
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. - Dr. Martin Luther King
This year-long course begins with an introduction to the foundational elements of the American criminal justice system. Each semester is six concurrent enrollment college credits. Including concepts of crime, crime data, victimization, perspectives, and views of crime, theory, and law are discussed. Building on this foundation, it traces the evolution of corrections—from law enforcement to probation, prisons, and parole—examining punishment theories and the political context in which corrections function. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary perspectives, including legal, sociological, and psychological approaches that shape the correctional system.
In the spring semester, students dive into the key elements of criminal law, studying both common law and statutory crimes, the Model Penal Code, legal definitions, penalties, and defenses. The course also explores the differences between criminal and civil law while examining how the American judicial system operates. Students learn about the roles of judges, lawyers, and other legal actors, the structure of state and federal courts, jury procedures, and how judicial decisions are made and enforced. Real-world insights are provided through expert guest speakers and professional learning experiences.
Grades: 11-12
Length: 1 Year
Credits: 1.0 CTE/1.0 EngA
Concurrent Enrollment: Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ 1010, 3 credits), Correctional Process (CRJ 1045, 3 Credits), Judicial Function (CRJ 1035, 3 Credits), Principles of Criminal Law (CRJ 2005, 3 Credits)
Related Higher Education in Colorado
University of Northern Colorado: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology
University of Denver: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminal Justice
Metro State University: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology
