Date: Wednesdays,

February 19, 26,  March 5, 12, 19

(5 sessions)

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM (CT) / 8:00 - 9:00 PM (ET)
 

Facilitators: Prof. Marc Buslik & David Grosky
 

Course Summary: 

This course explores critical issues within the criminal justice system, addressing the challenges of transforming it from a “criminal legal system” into a true “criminal justice system” that prioritizes fairness, legitimacy, and reform.

By examining each stage in the process—from 9-1-1 response and policing to prosecution, judiciary, corrections, and reentry—participants will gain a deeper understanding of where deficiencies arise and how evidence-based approaches can drive meaningful improvements.

 

Course Objectives

Session 1: Moving the "Criminal Legal System" Back to a "Criminal Justice System"

  • Expanding the Justice Pipeline – Examine the inclusion of 9-1-1 response and re-entry as essential stages in a comprehensive justice system that prioritizes prevention, intervention, and reintegration.

  • The Impact of Systemic Shifts on Communities – Discuss how restructuring the justice process—from policing through re-entry—can create a more rehabilitative, community-centered approach.
     

Session 2: Translational Criminology – Using Research to Improve Justice System Organizations

  • Applying Research to Drive Systemic Change – Explore how data and research findings can address key issues within policing, prosecution, and corrections.

  • Case Studies in Translational Criminology – Review successful examples where criminology research informed policies and practices, leading to measurable improvements in justice outcomes.

Session 3: Procedural Justice as a Tool for Legitimacy

  • The Four Pillars of Procedural Justice – Study the principles of voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthiness, and how they impact perceptions of legitimacy across justice institutions.

  • Building Legitimacy Through Transparent Practices – Analyze strategies for implementing procedural justice within police and court systems to improve public trust and cooperation.

Session 4: What Goes Wrong Where – Deficiencies Within the System

  • Identifying Systemic Inequities – Examine where and how biases and disparities appear at each stage of the justice process, from arrest to re-entry.

  • Consequences of System Failures on Individuals and Communities – Understand the social and economic impact of systemic deficiencies, including over-incarceration, recidivism, and loss of community support.

Session 5: How to Make It All Work – Pathways to a More Effective System

  • Strategies for Cross-Agency Collaboration – Explore how partnerships among law enforcement, courts, corrections, and community organizations can lead to a more cohesive system.

  • Implementing Evidence-Based Practices – Discuss practical steps for applying research-backed methods to reform key areas, including crisis response, sentencing alternatives, and re-entry support.

 

 

The Facilitators:

Prof. Marc Buslik grew up in one of Chicago's Northshore suburbs and is a retired commander from the Chicago Police Department. He teaches criminology at the University of Illinois Chicago and his research interests are in police accountability and community - police engagement. He was the president of the Police Captains Association and the longest serving president of the Shomrim Society of Illinois, an organization of Jewish first responders.

He works with the NYU Law School Policing Project on their Neighborhood Policing Initiative and Re-Imaging Public Safety efforts. He is a long-time consultant to the US Justice Department and has traveled to former Soviet republics to assist with their transition to democratic policing.

 

 

David Grosky is a 1983 graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a 1986 graduate of the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Mr. Grosky was a member of the Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois from 1987-2007. During these years in private practice, Mr. Grosky specialized in complex business bankruptcy and commercial litigation matters.

David is employed as Sales Development Manager at Visiplex Inc. in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Visiplex is a global leader and provider of Wireless Emergency Notification systems to schools, nursing homes, places of worship and manufacturing and other industry companies. Mr. Grosky has devoted his time and energy to assisting prison inmates with their legal and administrative research, writing and filing needs. He often assists as a legal advisor to the Hinda Institute where Mr. Grosky serves in several other capacities.