This year-long course gives students a deep foundation in the American criminal justice system. Students explore crime theories, government structure, and constitutional rights, particularly search and seizure. They apply these principles through simulations like report writing, executing search warrants, and mock trials. The program emphasizes understanding the balance between law, justice, and society, and includes facility visits, guest speakers from criminal justice fields, and in-depth study of law enforcement history, court systems, and landmark Supreme Court cases.
Skills Developed
Students taking this course develop a broad range of skills that prepare them for further study or careers in criminal justice. They gain a solid understanding of the U.S. Constitution, criminal law, and the functions of local, state, and federal government. The course strengthens critical thinking and analytical abilities through the study of crime theories, current justice issues, and landmark Supreme Court cases. Students also build practical skills, including professional report writing, executing simulated search warrants, and conducting mock trials, while learning to apply legal principles in realistic scenarios. Communication and collaboration skills are developed through debates, team-based exercises, and interaction with guest speakers from various criminal justice careers. Additionally, students gain firsthand insight into the field through visits to public safety facilities and cultivate civic awareness and ethical reasoning by exploring the balance between law, justice, 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
Concurrent / Dual Enrollment
See specifics in the Course details.
Public Safety & Constitutional Law Course and Details:
This year-long concurrent enrollment course introduces students to the foundations of the American criminal justice system while earning them twelve college credits overall. Students begin by exploring theories on crime and the structure and function of each branch of government as it relates to the administration of justice. Special emphasis is placed on the Constitution and the rights it safeguards, especially those related to search and seizure. We examine current issues, and the interaction between criminal justice agencies. Students apply those constitutional principles in simulated training exercises ranging from report writing, to executing search warrants, and conducting mock trials. Emphasis is placed on the balance needed between justice, law, and society, with many opportunities for discussion, and debate.
Classroom learning is enhanced by visits to various public safety facilities as well as a selection of guest speakers representing a number of criminal justice professions. The course also delves into the history and philosophy of law enforcement, and the development of our common law court systems at the state and federal levels. Supreme Court cases are studied in depth to help students understand the rules and procedures of our current system.
Grades: 11-12
Length: 1 Year
Credits: 1.0 CTE/1.0 EngC
Concurrent Enrollment: Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ 1010, 3 credits), Policing Systems (CRJ 1025, 3 credits), Criminal Investigation I (CRJ 2009, 3 credits), Constitutional Law (CRJ 2010, 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
4%
Projected Growth
in the next 5 Years
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pathway Staff
Scott Wright
Public Safety & Constitutional Law Pathway Instructor
