Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Criminal Justice I

Other Tennessee CTE sets

Criminal Justice System0

  • 1

    Explore the history and development of the three areas of the criminal justice system- (1) law enforcement, (2) legal services, and (3) corrections. Compare and contrast the interrelatedness of the three areas of the Criminal Justice system. Include :1

    1. A

      The organization of each area1A

    2. B

      The challenges and responsibilities of each area1B

    3. C

      The careers supporting each area including a brief description of each career1C

  • 2

    Describe the three types of law enforcement: local, state, and federal. Provide the following information for each type:2

    1. A

      Description of each type; i.e., local, state, and federal2A

    2. B

      List of agencies included in each type2B

    3. C

      Responsibilities of each type2C

    4. D

      Role in emergency preparedness response and recovery2D

  • 3

    Evaluate reasons why the juvenile system separated from the adult legal system. Explain the structure and processes of the juvenile detention system including arrest procedures, intake, pretrial diversion and transfer to adult court. Summarize the efforts underway in the state to address the problem of graduated sanctions, and evaluate the effectiveness of such efforts to date.3

Law Enforcement and the Public0

  • 4

    Evaluate the impact of various types of crime on individuals and communities including cost and psychosocial effects. Using local, state and federal statistics, determine trends and patterns in both juvenile and adult criminal activity and related problems.4

  • 5

    Summarize the value of ethics, confidentiality, character and credibility for law enforcement careers. Justify the importance of personal traits such as integrity, respect, responsibility, confidentiality, and ethical behavior in the workplace and the impact they can have on career success.5

  • 6

    Describe the law enforcement/public safety agency role in saving lives and the protection of lives and property. Anticipate how this role can cause stress for an officer and why physical fitness and proper nutrition are critical for officers and emergency responders.6

  • 7

    Compare and contrast the fundamental features of civil and criminal issues within law enforcement. Connect each feature to actions an officer might use in the line of duty. Include a discussion of civil and criminal issues for officers related to their social media use/misuse.7

  • 8

    Examine the chain of command as it pertains to law enforcement leadership and officer responsibilities differentiating the leadership qualities and roles at each level. Identify and distinguish the impact of police sub-cultures. Make generalizations about roles and leadership expectations for each position and include the characteristics and benefits of teamwork, leadership, and citizenship that apply to community, workplace and school settings.8

  • 9

    Demonstrate the following techniques along with describing the rationale behind key concepts. May use the SkillsUSA criminal justice competition standards and competencies as a guideline:9

    1. A

      Proper handcuffing9A

    2. B

      Traffic stop safety9B

    3. C

      Response to critical incidents such as domestic abuse, serious/fatal injury, wrecks, suicides, etc.9C

Communication and Critical Thinking0

  • 10

    Define communication and explain the differences in verbal and non-verbal communication. Describe the specific skills required of law enforcement officials in order to effectively communicate and interact with all individuals, including those with limited English proficiency, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences and other potential barriers to communication. Research the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for law enforcement and demonstrate effective communication practices with persons of different ages and characteristics.10

  • 11

    Analyze and practice asking significant questions to clarify various points of view. Demonstrate the use of inductive and deductive reasoning and questioning to solve predictable and unpredictable work-related problems.11

  • 12

    Demonstrate a variety of appropriate and effective methods of communicating with the public, including techniques such as professional demeanor, active listening, empathy, projecting a confident tone of voice, paraphrasing, and the proper use of nonverbal body language. Identify different types of non-verbal communication skills such as body language and micro expressions. Demonstrate these skills in a peer interview setting. Articulate changes in body language and micro expressions in a brief observation report.12

  • 13

    Analyze critical thinking and problem solving skills used to manage emergency situations. In a simulated emergency response situation, utilize written, electronic, and verbal communication skills while applying critical thinking and problem resolution.13

The Judicial Process0

  • 14

    Analyze the similarities, differences, and interactions between local, state, and federal court systems.14

  • 15

    Differentiate all work groups within the local or state court systems required to conduct a criminal trial and a civil trial. Compare and contrast the members of a court work group including judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, bailiff, clerk, and jury. Identify and explain the stages of a criminal trial, and include the roles and authority of the workgroups in each stage.15

  • 16

    Analyze and summarize various pre-trial activities including:16

    1. A

      Pretrial motions16A

    2. B

      Plea bargaining16B

    3. C

      Bail bonds16C

    4. D

      Arraignments/initial appearance16D

    5. E

      Grand jury16E

    6. F

      Preliminary hearings16F

  • 17

    Assess and describe the importance of physical and testimonial evidence, chain of custody, and witness testimony. Explain how evidence is obtained, and the issues surrounding admissibility. Connect this information to an officer’s preparation for appearing in court.17

  • 18

    Compare and contrast the burden of proof strategies used by the prosecution and defense. Survey court transcripts and identify strategies used by the prosecution and defense pointing out strategies and their relationship to the verdict.18

  • 19

    Research landmark juvenile cases and the rights of juveniles. Use research findings to communicate the similarities and differences between the juvenile justice system and the adult system. Discuss pros and cons of each system.19

Crime Control, Due Process and the Constitution0

  • 20

    Examine the crime control and due process models of criminal justice and how they relate, connecting their application to the concepts of crime, victimization, and criminal behavior along with the powers and restrictions that pertain to law enforcement. Address the significance of the Broken Windows Theory as it relates to criminal behavior.20

  • 21

    Explore the rights of the accused guaranteed by the United States Constitution in Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 14. Review the following cases and determine effects on law enforcement policy, and corrections policy (search and seizure, exclusionary rule, Miranda, and rights of incarcerated individuals). Summarize the processing of an offender through the criminal justice system citing laws, procedures, and policies that protect the offender’s rights.21

    1. A

      Gideon v. Wainwright21A

    2. B

      Miranda v. Arizona21B

    3. C

      Tinker v. Des Moines21C

    4. D

      Mapp v Ohio21D

    5. E

      Terry v Ohio21E

    6. F

      Katz v United States21F

    7. G

      New Jersey v TLO21G

    8. H

      In re Gault21H

    9. I

      In re Winship21I

    10. J

      Kent v U.S.21J

    11. K

      Roper v Simmons21K

    12. L

      Tennessee v Garner21L

    13. M

      Escobedo v Illinois21M

    14. N

      U.S. v Carroll21N

    15. O

      Arizona v Gant21O

Sentencing and Corrections0

  • 22

    Summarize the evolution of corrections in America from the Colonial Period to the current century. Evaluate the sentencing guidelines for misdemeanors and felonies in Tennessee , and explore various types of punishments legislated by the Public Safety Act of 2016. Research state data to determine sentencing rates and the related rehabilitation and recidivism rates for each of the following:22

    1. A

      Imprisonment22A

    2. B

      Fines22B

    3. C

      Probation22C

    4. D

      Graduated sanctions22D

    5. E

      Community corrections22E

    6. F

      Capital Punishment22F

    7. G

      Alternative programs22G

  • 23

    Compare and contrast prisons and jails along with the working environment of each. Evaluate prison management systems and corrections officers’ obligations under the law. Include a discussion of deliberate indifference and prisoners’ rights.23

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 10
Where can I read the official document?
Tennessee Department of Education

Keep exploring

Keep exploring CTE standards

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

More Tennessee CTE sets

CTE