Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CRIM 131 D200

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - A Total System Approach (3)

Class Number: 3214

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introductory analysis of the structure and operation of the Canadian criminal justice system. Examination of the patterns of crime and victimization; police operations, discretion and decision making; the criminal courts, including sentencing; and institutional- and community-based corrections. Patterns of contact and conflict between various social groups and the criminal justice system. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
(1) Identify and demonstrate understanding of the relationship between various components of the criminal justice system and their structure and operation in Canada (i.e., police, courts, corrections, criminal law, criminal justice and human rights policy);
(2) Identify and explain challenges, trends and policy shifts in the criminal justice system (i.e., media, public and political responses, high-profile cases, police, court and corrections data);
(3) Describe and critically assess the challenges to operating a CJS for diverse groups (youth, women, and multicultural communities);
(4) Describe and critically assess the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s CJS and the factors that led to their over-representation (i.e., colonialism, assimilation, Indian Residential Schools, and intergenerational trauma);
(5) Describe and critically assess the structure and culture of policing, factors that influence police decision-making and discretion, policing models, use and abuse of police powers, and relationships between police and various institutions and communities;
(6) Describe and critically assess the structure and types of courts, factors that influence legal and decision-making and discretion, sentencing, relationships between court room actors and the accused, victims, witnesses and other affected individuals; and,
(7) Describe and critically assess the structure and operation of corrections programs (i.e., community, provincial, and federal corrections and alternatives to corrections), factors that influence custody and release decisions, use and abuse of power in correctional facilities, and programming and re-entry.

NOTE ABOUT THE THREE-HOUR LECTURE FORMAT: The instructional team will invite student participation in each lecture during small and large group activities.

Grading

  • In-Person/Class Critical Written Reflections* 20%
  • Weekly Reading Comprehension Quizzes (online)** 5%
  • Midterm Examination 30%
  • Written Assignment 15%
  • Final Examination 30%

NOTES:

*Students will write four critical written reflections. I only count the three highest scores.

**I drop the lowest quiz score/missing score.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Canadian Criminal Justice: A Primer 7th Edition by Curt T. Griffiths

Note: This edition of the textbook will be used to create the weekly reading quizzes and examinations.

 

Students are required to log-in to Canvas (canvas.sfu.ca) on the first day of the semester and continue to log-in every 2-3 days thereafter.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.

Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. 

Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course. 


ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Center for Accessible Learning, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security).  For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5.  The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly.  The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors).  The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise they will receive a grade of N. 
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.

UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.