FIRST YEAR
You and the Law
Two semesters
This introductory course focuses on a variety of legal topics, including the United States Constitution, judicial review, the powers of Congress, the powers of the president, and the interrelationship of state and national governments. Students will also engage in an introductory study of criminal, civil, contract and family law. Current issues and controversies related to the legal system will be discussed in class, and tied into the material that is being learned. Through this introductory class, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the law plays a role in our society.
SECOND YEAR
Criminal Justice
One semester
This course is designed to provide high school students with a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system. The intent is to make the classroom come alive with current issues. Students will analyze daily material and articles, and develop critical thinking skills as a result. Students will be trained to listen and read the newspaper carefully and make their own determination as to what a criminal case entails.
Equality and the Law
One semester
This course will provide the legal and historical perspectives of equality by examining the law's impact on forms of discrimination. We will examine U.S. Supreme Court cases and Congressional legislation, and delve into how these cases and laws impact on our country. Debate and discussion is an integral part of this class. This course challenges students to analyze their own experiences through the lens of the law and to understand how the law may have shaped their values and perceptions of equality.
THIRD YEAR
Constitutional Law
One semester
This course is an introduction to American constitutional law, with an emphasis on U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The course will explore various methodologies of constitutional interpretation and modes of constitutional analysis. The course will also offer a historical perspective on how the Supreme Court, and the trends of its decision making, have changed over time. Topics covered include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and due process.
Mock Trial
One semester
This course offers students a hands-on experience of the trial process by giving them a chance to role-play as attorneys and witnesses. Students first learn about our trial system, courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and questioning of witnesses. Then, working in teams, students prepare and stage criminal and civil trials in the classroom. Typically, half the class will be staging the case, and the other half serve as jury members, who render a verdict in the case. This is not a typical academic class. The emphasis is on active participation as team members, and a student's grade is primarily based on how well they prepare and perform their assigned roles in the case.
You and the Law
Two semesters
This introductory course focuses on a variety of legal topics, including the United States Constitution, judicial review, the powers of Congress, the powers of the president, and the interrelationship of state and national governments. Students will also engage in an introductory study of criminal, civil, contract and family law. Current issues and controversies related to the legal system will be discussed in class, and tied into the material that is being learned. Through this introductory class, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the law plays a role in our society.
SECOND YEAR
Criminal Justice
One semester
This course is designed to provide high school students with a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system. The intent is to make the classroom come alive with current issues. Students will analyze daily material and articles, and develop critical thinking skills as a result. Students will be trained to listen and read the newspaper carefully and make their own determination as to what a criminal case entails.
Equality and the Law
One semester
This course will provide the legal and historical perspectives of equality by examining the law's impact on forms of discrimination. We will examine U.S. Supreme Court cases and Congressional legislation, and delve into how these cases and laws impact on our country. Debate and discussion is an integral part of this class. This course challenges students to analyze their own experiences through the lens of the law and to understand how the law may have shaped their values and perceptions of equality.
THIRD YEAR
Constitutional Law
One semester
This course is an introduction to American constitutional law, with an emphasis on U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The course will explore various methodologies of constitutional interpretation and modes of constitutional analysis. The course will also offer a historical perspective on how the Supreme Court, and the trends of its decision making, have changed over time. Topics covered include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and due process.
Mock Trial
One semester
This course offers students a hands-on experience of the trial process by giving them a chance to role-play as attorneys and witnesses. Students first learn about our trial system, courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and questioning of witnesses. Then, working in teams, students prepare and stage criminal and civil trials in the classroom. Typically, half the class will be staging the case, and the other half serve as jury members, who render a verdict in the case. This is not a typical academic class. The emphasis is on active participation as team members, and a student's grade is primarily based on how well they prepare and perform their assigned roles in the case.