High School Law Class Cycle
Program Description
The robust offering of dual-enrollment high school law courses is on a 3 year rotation. The curriculum contains 6 independent, semester-long classes. While students may choose any of the courses offered, most opt to participate in all of them. These specialized classes, all taught by a former prosecutor, serve as an introduction to several key elements of the legal and criminal justice system. Course curriculum includes lecture, discussion, case studies, guest speakers, and field trips to the courthouse, correctional facilities, and law enforcement offices and training facilities.
Course Options
Criminal Justice System
This introductory class explores and analyzes the American criminal justice system, a system comprised of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. This course is intended to give an overview of all working components within the criminal justice arena.
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice
This course studies current issues and debates that effect the criminal justice system. Classes examine, discuss, and research elements of and differing viewpoints on the most pressing issues within the criminal justice system. Course discussion focuses especially on relevant criminal justice issues as they relate to issues of constitutional law.
Ethics in Criminal Justice
This course examines the historical and philosophical background of the field of ethics, specifically professional ethics within the criminal justice system. Class format combines instruction on the theory of ethics with case studies exploring ethical dilemmas faced by legal and criminal justice professionals.
American Court System
This class focuses on the structure and function of the judicial system at both the state and federal levels. The processes and intricacies in both criminal and civil cases are explored. Elements of trial and judicial procedure are learned through lecture and a court simulation in the classroom.
Business Law
This class introduces basic business principles and explores their intersection with the legal system. Topics of study include alternative dispute resolutions, tort law, negligence, intellectual property rights, contracts, employment law, business ethics, and corporate organization.
Legal Terminology and the Litigation Process
This course provides a comprehensive primer on legal terminology common across many legal professions. Additional topics of study include litigation practices, rules of evidence, civil and criminal procedure, and a survey of legal professions.
What Could You Learn?
Public Speaking and Oratorical Skills
Introduction to Case Law and Applicable Research
Critical Thinking Skills
Networking with Legal Professionals
Intellectual Confidence
Structure of the Legal System
