Plan of Study – Pre-Law Studies

An introduction to the law library and the use of legal references; the techniques of legal research as used in writing letters, instruments, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda. Emphasis on State law. Prerequisite: WRT 1020.

This core curriculum law course examines the social, political, and historical contexts of law as a social institution. Students will examine historical, political, and societal perspectives on why law is made, how it is made in legislatures and the courts, and how it shapes what individuals do on an everyday basis. Students focus on legal institutions and resolution processes including historical and recent case law, institutional political science, resultant social policy, and its impact on society through mixed media and an examination of case studies. This is not a legal specialty course and permission to use it for major credit must be obtained from the Program Director prior to enrolling in the course.

Analysis of the American state and federal court systems; history, traditions, and philosophy underlying the American system of justice; legal systems and law; court structures and roles: judges, prosecutors, attorneys, litigants; and the adjudication process: arrest to arraignment, trials, juries, and sentencing.

Introduction to constitutional law, political theory. Historical examination of the major Supreme Court decisions which have contributed to contemporary judicial interpretations of the Constitution.