Charles LoFaso Headshot

Charles LoFaso

Lecturer

Department of Criminal Justice
College of Liberal Arts

585-475-2666
Office Location

Charles LoFaso

Lecturer

Department of Criminal Justice
College of Liberal Arts

Bio

Prior to entering academia, Charlie LoFaso served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Michael A. Telesca and as a municipal attorney for the city of Rochester Law Department. He left the law department in 1999 and joined the Rochester Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, general assignment detective, and homicide detective. He has taught at Ohio State University and La Salle University in Philadelphia and joins the RIT Department of Criminal Justice as a lecturer. Charlie earned his A.B. with honors in economics from Indiana University, an M.S. in criminal justice from Michigan State University, J.D., magna cum laude, from the University at Buffalo Law School, State University of New York, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from The Ohio State University.

585-475-2666

Personal Links

Currently Teaching

CRIM-110
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to criminal justice. One of the primary goals of this course is to provide a general understanding of how the criminal justice system responds to crime in society. The main component parts of the criminal justice system (i.e., police, courts, and corrections) will be examined with a particular emphasis on developing an understanding of the behavior and interactions among the main actors in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this goal, we will examine how criminal cases are processed in the criminal justice system. We will also consider how external forces, such as political decisions, public opinion, and the media influence criminal justice decision-making. Students will also formulate, argue, and evaluate ethical perspectives regarding criminal justice systems, individual-level decisions, and recognize relationships with other ethical problems in society. Finally, throughout the course we will emphasize how the societal response to crime has evolved over time.
CRIM-220
3 Credits
Introduction to the basic organizations of the correctional system, their functions and performance. Prisons and jails, as well as probation and parole agencies, are discussed with the context of historical and contemporary philosophy. Attention also is focused on decision-making functions, the role of various personnel within the correctional system and the population of offenders within it. Strategies for rehabilitation and their effectiveness are surveyed.
CRIM-225
3 Credits
Criminal Law deals with the substantive and procedural criminal law. Characteristics of crimes against people, property, and the state will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of criminal conduct, the requirement of criminal intent, and legal causation. In addition, the principal defenses will be examined.
CRIM-240
3 Credits
This course examines the social and historical origins of the various police systems; police culture, role and career; police in the legal system; social and legal restraints on police practices; police discretion in practice; police and community; police organization and community control mechanisms.
CRIM-260
3 Credits
This course provides students with an understanding of the recognized functions of courts in the American criminal justice system. Jurisdiction, policies and procedures of courts in the administration of criminal justice, including trial and appellate courts, will be discussed. Courts will be examined at the local, state and federal levels.