Department of Administration of Justice

Chair: Robin L. Hoffmann, J.D.

The administration of justice department views the law as a vehicle for protecting rights, enforcing duties and establishing a more just and humane society. Providing opportunities for students to develop professional skills is equally important to developing within students a commitment to "justice for all."

Salve Regina University’s administration of justice department has an illustrious history. The first bachelor’s degrees in law enforcement (as the field was called then) were awarded in 1970. The department’s name has changed twice since the 1960s to better reflect the education being provided our majors. It was switched from law enforcement to criminal justice, then to its present name – administration of justice – in recognition of the broader perspective of educating about the justice system. The emphasis has been to educate those who are interested in being part of our justice system and to incorporate Salve’s strong liberal arts base into the law-oriented curriculum.

The Administration of Justice Department provides broad-based coverage of the components of the justice system including law enforcement, corrections, the judicial system, probation, parole, and juvenile justice. The major prepares men and women for careers related to the justice system and for advanced educational opportunities, such as law school or other graduate school.

As important as providing opportunities for students to develop professional skills is developing within students a commitment to “justice for all,” particularly as it relates to the poor, educationally disadvantaged, minority citizens, children, women, and the physically and mentally disadvantaged. In the course of the program, students can develop a commitment to values and the ends of justice.

The mission of the department embraces the University's mission and encourages students to work for mercy, harmony and justice. The department views law as a vehicle for protecting rights and enforcing duties and as such a means of establishing a more just and humane society.