The United States’ Criminal Legal System: Structural Inequalities, Monetary Sanctions, Policy and Reform

This course is a two-hour, fully online, and self-guided series that introduces the audience to the United States criminal legal system. The first module defines the term structural inequalities and provides examples of various disparate racial and ethnic outcomes in U.S. institutions. The second module describes the rise in U.S. conviction and incarceration rates from the mid-1970s through today. The third module examines a little known, but expansive punishment outcome related to most citations and convictions across the United States – this is the sentence of fines, fees and other costs. The final module examines policy and practice implications. We review incremental policy reforms happening across the United States in attempts to mitigate the negative outcomes related to criminal legal contact, particularly for people who are poor.

Law enforcement officers may login to the Acadis portal and find this training.

None.
Free

Who can attend our classes?

Per WAC 139-11-020, this course is required for all peace officers that were certified before December 7, 2019, and lateral peace officers certified in Washington after December 7, 2019. 

Required Equipment

To attend this course, students must have a computer with audio and video capabilities, and an internet connection. Content, websites, videos, and other course materials are embedded into the course.

Pre-Course work

None.
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