This course is designed to introduce the student to a critical look at the nature of the criminal justice system: the role of the state in maintaining a criminal justice system, and the creation of policies through the passing of bills, legislation, and statutes pertinent to the interpretation of the Criminal Code. This course also introduces the student to core topics covered in electives in the second year: courts, young offenders, police, corrections, and victimology. This introductory course is a prerequisite for all upper-level courses.