CCOG for CJA 220 archive revision 202504
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- Effective Term:
- Fall 2025
- Course Number:
- CJA 220
- Course Title:
- Mental Health & the Law
- Credit Hours:
- 3
- Lecture Hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Explores mental health and disability issues in connection with the legal system, with a focus on the criminal justice system and the management of these issues in policing, the courts, corrections, and the community. Focuses on options for diversion from criminal prosecution and strategies for successful community supports. Addresses challenges and opportunities faced by legal system participants, including police, corrections, advocates, and others in both their work and personal lives. Encourages critical thinking and the application of best practices when engaging with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and disabilities. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Respond to those experiencing mental illness with professionalism and an understanding of mental health disorders.
- Recognize personal risk factors, as a legal system professional, and develop proactive strategies for self-care and resilience.
- Describe law enforcement, legal, and treatment approaches that improve outcomes for people with mental health issues and disabilities in the criminal justice system.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Students may demonstrate learning outcomes by any, some or all of the following:
- Completing assignments designed to integrate course materials into personal & community issues concerning mental health and the law.
- Attendance at, or participation in lectures, workshops, or other community or campus events related .
- Assessments consisting of objective and/or essay questions that require integration, application, and critical examination of course concepts
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
- History & contemporary societal responses
- Classification of mental disorders
- Impacts on the community as well as legal system professionals
- Legal aspects of mental illness
- Improving response & treatment