Topics in Reentry: The Spectrum of the Criminal Justice System

• Semester: Fall 2017
• Course ID: 279M
• Credit Hours: 2
• Unique: 29215

Description

This seminar-style course offers students the opportunity to examine more closely one or more issues affecting reentry for individuals who have a criminal history. Intended for students with a particular interest in criminal justice policy, readings will come from a variety of sources, including case law, book chapters, policy reports, academic journals, and investigative accounts. Outside speakers covering the criminal justice spectrum will help ground classroom discussion in practice. Consistent attendance and active class participation, including introducing readings and formulating questions for speakers, is expected and will count toward the final grade. Areas of particular focus will include barriers to employment and housing, mental illness and behavioral health treatment, recidivism and public safety, pre-release reentry programming, and criminal background check practices. The course is open to LBJ graduate students.

Prerequisites: Students should possess a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of reentry. Relevant experience could include enrollment in the Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, or Immigration Clinics, other coursework, or prior work or volunteer experience. Interested students must submit an email to the professor indicating their interest and relevant background, as well as a copy of their (unofficial) law school transcript. Contact the professor with any questions.

This course will meet weekly for the semester. Field trips and other extracurricular opportunities will be available as scheduling permits.