This course introduces students to the structures, purposes and jurisdiction of state and federal courts and the roles of lawyers, lay persons, judges and jurors in civil, criminal, administrative and alternative justice systems. Rudimentary skills in briefing cases and legal research and analysis will be developed. This course was previously CHS-261102 Introduction to Law and the Legal System.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Legal Studies (LEST). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Legal Studies (LEST). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

This course provides a broad overview of legal and policy issues related to the intersection of mental health/illness issues and the law. We will examine the difference between the civil and criminal law aspects of the experiences of those with mental health concerns. In particular, we will examine how the rights of those with mental illness (including incarcerated men and women) are defined in the law and are protected, or not, in action. Students will examine case law and policies which define the power of the civil and criminal law to both protect and to intervene in various situations regarding the individuals with mental illness. This course was previously CHS-264514 Mental Health and the Law.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Legal Studies (LEST). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

The U.S. Supreme Court interprets and resolves constitutional law disputes using very particular theories which have evolved over time. In this course, students learn legal analysis, using Constitutional Law as both case study and context. Students learn how to understand U.S. Supreme Court decisions using these theories of constitutional analysis. Emphasis is on analyzing and evaluating constitutional theories presented in cases addressing: separations of powers, federalism, and individual liberties (substantive due process and equal protection). The course begins with an in depth understanding of the circumstances surrounding the Declaration of Independence and the ratification of the Constitution. This discussion forms the basis of understanding for the rest of the course.

Attributes: Liberal

This study examines the rights and liberties provided by the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the Bill of Rights. Students examine major cases defining, expanding, and/or shrinking the protections afforded by the Bill of Rights with specific attention to the first, second, fourth, fifth, and fourteenth amendments. Methods of judicial interpretation are explored as is the social context within which the disputes arose. Constitutional Law. Prior to taking this course, Students should have completed at least one prior study where they learned about briefing judicial decisions.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Legal Studies (LEST). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.