Criminal Justice Course
Stands Test of Time
One of the most popular elective courses at Huntington High School has long been Criminal Justice, a half-year, half-credit class available to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed 10th grade social studies. There are 30 students enrolled this year.
“The course is designed to enhance the students' knowledge about crime and justice,” teacher Erik Bruckbauer said. “They enhance this knowledge by studying the operation and management of police, courts and corrections agencies. Students also learn about famous cases and criminals, as well as partake in field trip experiences to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead and the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. Students generally take the course because they find these topics interesting or they have career interests in the areas of law, criminal psychology and forensics or law enforcement.”
The course has stood the test of time as dozens of students register for it each year. “The aim of the Criminal Justice course is to give students a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system as it operates on the local level,” according to a description found in the high school course bulletin.
The curriculum includes a discussion of felonies and misdemeanors, the principles of criminal law, the roles of the police, district attorney, judge and defense attorney and “the nature of criminal court procedure,” states the course description. “Activities in the course include field trips, expert speakers and mock trials, all designed to enhance the students’ appreciation for the adversarial nature of criminal litigation.”
For more information about the course or any other Huntington social studies course contact Joseph Leavy, director of humanities at 673-2079 or jleavy@hufsd.edu.
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