LibGuides: CJA446: Module 3

Module 3 Required Resources

Readings

Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice (Chapters 1-5)
Roberson, C. (2022). Constitutional law and criminal justice. Taylor & Francis Group.
Charles Roberson's Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice (2022) examines the intersection of constitutional principles and the criminal justice system. The book provides an analysis of key constitutional amendments, particularly those related to criminal procedure, individual rights, and law enforcement practices. It explores landmark Supreme Court decisions shaping policies on search and seizure, due process, equal protection, and more. The text is designed for students and professionals, offering practical insights into how constitutional law impacts justice administration and governance.
Diversifying the Courts: Race, Gender, and Judicial Legitimacy (Chapters 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, Conclusion)
Nancy Scherer. (2023). Diversifying the Courts : Race, Gender, and Judicial Legitimacy. NYU Press.
Nancy Scherer's book, Diversifying the Courts: Race, Gender, and Judicial Legitimacy (2023), examines how increasing diversity in the judiciary—particularly in terms of race and gender—affects perceptions of legitimacy and fairness within the judicial system. Scherer explores the historical barriers faced by underrepresented groups in obtaining judicial appointments and highlights the evolving efforts to diversify courts across the United States.
This is used for discussion 5. The book is long, but students can read certain chapters to base their arguments.
The Judicial System: A Reference Handbook (Chapters 1-3, 6)
LeMay, M. C. (2022). The judicial system: A reference handbook. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
M.C. LeMay's The Judicial System: A Reference Handbook (2022) offers a concise overview of the U.S. judicial system, outlining the roles of courts, judges, and legal professionals. The book covers key concepts like judicial review, case law, and the relationship between federal and state courts. It also addresses contemporary issues such as judicial activism, the politicization of appointments, and judicial reforms. This resource is designed for students and professionals seeking a clear understanding of the structure and challenges within the U.S. judiciary.
Chapter 1 – Background and history
Chapter 2 – Problems, Controversies, and Solutions
Chapter 3 - Perspectives
Chapter 6 - Resources
Click to View for online access.
Basics of American Politics (Chapter 6)
Basics of American Politics (Lumen). (2024, March 10). https://socialsci.libretexts.org/@go/page/82165
The chapter from LibreTexts explains the structure and role of courts in the American political system. It outlines the dual court system of federal and state jurisdictions, emphasizing the judiciary's function in interpreting laws and resolving disputes. The chapter discusses key concepts like judicial review, the appointment of judges, and the balance of power between the courts and other government branches. It also highlights the Supreme Court's role as the highest authority in legal and constitutional matters.
An Overview of the U.S. Courts System
U.S. Department of State. (n.d.) (December 13, 2023). An overview of the U.S. court system.
In this on-the-record briefing, Prof. Noah A. Rosenblum of the New York University School of Law provides an overview of the U.S. judicial system, including a discussion of the relationship between the state and federal judiciaries and each of their specific competencies.
Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System (Chapter 7)
Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. (2019). Open Textbook Library.
Chapter 7 of Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System explores the structure, function, and roles of courts in the U.S. criminal justice system. It covers the dual court system, explaining the distinction between federal and state courts, as well as the roles of judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. The chapter delves into the progression of criminal cases through the court system, from trial courts to appellate courts, emphasizing the procedural history of cases and the standards of review for appeals. Additionally, it discusses the importance of court-appointed counsel and the stages at which a defendant is entitled to legal assistance.

Videos

The case for restorative justice in juvenile courts

Saint Clair, W. (2019, June). The case for restorative justice in juvenile courts [Video]. TED.

In this TED Talk, Judge Wesley Saint Clair advocates for the use of restorative justice in juvenile courts. He explains that restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and building accountability through dialogue between offenders and victims. Unlike traditional punitive systems, this approach aims to address the root causes of delinquent behavior and reduce recidivism. Saint Clair highlights success stories and emphasizes the need for systemic changes to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. This model encourages community involvement and offers a more compassionate path for young offenders to reintegrate into society. If the video does not play, try refreshing the page or access the video via the link below.

https://www.ted.com/talks/wesley_saint_clair_the_case_for_restorative_justice_in_juvenile_courts?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare