Law and Social Sciences Curriculum

The focus is on the American system of government, with particular emphasis on the nature of federalism and the changing relations between the national and state governments. It features an analysis of the principle of the separation of powers, with attention given to the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Non-governmental forces such as political parties, interest groups, and the news media are studied, especially with respect to their roles in shaping public policy. Special attention is paid to the "fourth branch" of government, administrative bodies such as the independent regulatory agencies.

This course examines the origins of the American legal system in the constitutional framework and its common law basis. A main theme is the evolution and development of the legal system under the impact of judicial decisions, as well as under political, economic and social conditions. Students also investigate the interplay between the legal system and American society, as well as current issues, problems and pressures affecting the legal system today.

The basic form of communication in the legal field is writing. This course covers the initial steps in briefing a case, researching and analyzing the various sources of law including constitutions, statutes, regulations, secondary resources including digests and miscellaneous research tools, validating research, computer assisted research tools, research strategies, basic legal writing and writing to the courts.

Criminal justice professionals have the power to make discretionary decisions that impacts the offenders, victims, and society. This course exposes students to ethical issues associated with the police, prosecution, courts, and correctional systems. Thus, the goal of this course is to prepare students in identifying and critically examining ethical issues and dilemmas in the criminal justice system by applying ethical decision models. Prerequisite: CJSN 100.

Focus on how to draft legal documents including but not limited to briefs, motions, restraining orders, wills, contracts and incorporation papers.

This course examines the procedure and process of torts: including intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, products liability, nuisance, defamation, and invasion of privacy. Additionally, the rights of plaintiffs and defendants will be addressed.

The role of the Supreme Court in the American system of government is examined. Special attention is given to the role of judicial review, and the principles of checks and balances and the separation of powers are analyzed. The course also explores the issue of Federal power vs. states. rights.

This course introduces students to the study of public international law. The Law of Nations. Elements studied include the role of treaties, international organizations, custom, judicial decisions, and sources of international law. The factors that make difficult the enforcement of international law.military, economic, political, etc..are considered, as are a variety of international legal documents, such as the charter of the United Nations, The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, charters of regional organizations, and international trade organization charters.

This course examines the procedure and process of torts: including intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, products liability, nuisance, defamation, and invasion of privacy. Additionally the rights of plaintiffs and defendants will be addressed.

Students examine the United States Congress and state legislatures and their roles in the lawmaking and political process. Topics studied include the relationship between legislators and their constituencies, legislature and Congressional elections, the internal formal and informal structure of legislatures and Congress, and the nature of legislative and Congressional decision-making in various policy areas.

Under supervision of the Instructor the student will be given actual cases where the student will have to formulate briefs that analyze case law and develop an argument which provides a recommended judgment or outcome.

Under supervision of the Instructor the student will be given actual cases where the student will have to formulate briefs that analyze case law and develop an argument which provides a recommended judgment or outcome.