Investigations, Trials, and Victims’ Services

This capstone unit integrates advanced investigation case studies, the criminal adjudication process, victim services, and restorative approaches to justice. Students examine high-profile and cold cases, pretrial and trial procedures, juvenile and organized crime issues, and career roles to synthesize multidisciplinary responses to complex crimes.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze high-profile and cold-case investigations to identify investigative strategies, evidentiary challenges, and the roles of multidisciplinary teams in solving complex crimes
• Evaluate the effects of pretrial motions, evidentiary rules, prosecutorial strategies, and sentencing options—including capital and restorative justice approaches—on case outcomes and defendants’ constitutional rights
• Apply victim advocacy, victim rights statutes, and juvenile services principles to realistic scenarios by developing appropriate referral, support, and courtroom protection plans
• Demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice career roles (e.g., crime analysts, probation officers, juvenile counselors, victim advocates, court reporters, legal assistants) by matching functions to case needs and proposing coordinated multiagency response plans