Legal Studies (LGST)
This course provides an overview of the legal system and the role of attorneys and paralegals within the system. The course also focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, case analysis, criminal and civil laws, and ethical issues confronted by legal professionals.
This course focuses on federal and state legal research utilizing print and online resources. Students will also learn proper legal citation and grammar usage skills and how to perform legal analysis. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.
An introduction to the legal process as a whole, including the functions of courts, lawyers, and other actors in the legal system. Specific issues such as court reform, crime control, civil liberties, and civil rights will be covered. The Supreme Court and the development of constitutional interpretation through judicial decision-making will also be explored.
This course discusses the importance of administrative law, how administrative agencies operate and are held accountable, and how professionals in the private and public sectors interact with administrative agencies. It includes a discussion of statutory and constitutional law and the interplay of administrative rules with other sources of legal authority.
This course offers a general understanding of the processes and functions of criminal court systems in the United States. The following topics will be examined: the historical development of criminal courts; different types of law; characteristics of federal and state courts; functions and responsibilities of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges; the criminal trial process; plea bargaining; sentencing options and decisions; and characteristics of appellate courts.
An overview of criminal law and of the fundamental elements of criminal procedures, including methods and rules of police investigation and arrest, adjudication, sentencing, and appellate review by higher courts.
This course examines and applies case analysis, rules, and policies governing the type of information that may be received by the court at trial. It focuses on all phases of the trial process and examines how evidence can be properly developed with an emphasis on persuasiveness in presentation and problem solving in the adversarial system.
This course challenges students to prepare and review more sophisticated and complex legal documents. Students will gain additional expertise in electronic legal and factual research and legal citation skills. This course requires extensive independent research and writing time.
Prerequisites: PARA 2205
This course constitutes an independent (individual or small group) internship which will allow students to simultaneously experience the "real-world" application of law and to apply legal methodology, research, and analysis to actual law office or law-related applications. The student will prepare and submit a significant law-related paper and/or project. Requires approval of the Program Coordinator.
This course explores civil legal matters routinely encountered throughout an individual’s lifetime. Students will learn to research the law to address legal questions. Topics include family law, negligence, employee rights, debt collection, landlord-tenant obligations, wills and estates, and business formation.
This course examines the relationship between formal law and social institutions. Specifically, the course will focus on the U.S. Constitution, theories of law and law creation, law and inequality, law as a vehicle for social change, and the role of law in modern American society. Some effort will be made to compare law in U.S. society to the development and function of law in other societies.
Provides an in-depth study of the constitutional status of federalism, the separation of powers doctrine, and the constraints on the power of the United States Supreme Court by discussing relevant Supreme Court case law.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
Provides an in-depth study of the fundamental principles of individual rights in American federal constitutional law. It surveys the areas of due process, equal protection, state action, and the Bill of Rights. The course will also cover the broader theories of constitutional interpretation.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 or POLI 101
This course is designed to provide students with a detailed view of the relationship between the needs of homeland security/emergency management, the Patriot Act and the "traditional concepts" of the legal system. Special emphases are placed on the role of public law, the government's demands for more power and civil liberties.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
An exploration of historical or contemporary topics and issues in the field of law.
This course will provide an opportunity for students to review the major legal concepts taught in the Legal Studies program. It will allow students to see how these different legal practices and theories coalesce into a single legal system.
Prerequisites: PARA 2205
This course helps students who are interested in law school to develop their skills in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning. Students will also learn about the law school admissions process, life in law school, and different career paths available to attorneys.