This course provides an expansive introduction to the structure, function, and foundational principles of the American legal system. Students will examine the nature of law, the sources of legal authority, the structure of courts, and the basic methodologies of legal reasoning and analysis. The course introduces substantive areas of law such as constitutional law, torts, contracts, criminal law, and property while also exploring how laws evolve, how courts interpret them, and how they affect individuals, businesses, and society.
Designed for students considering law school or careers in law, policy, or governance, this course encourages critical thinking about the relationship between law, justice, and public life. It builds legal literacy, introduces legal terminology, and equips students to think like lawyers by understanding case precedent, statutory interpretation, and the adversarial process.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Identify and explain the functions and purposes of law in society.
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Describe the structure and hierarchy of the U.S. federal and state court systems.
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Distinguish between major types of law (civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative).
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Understand the sources of law including constitutions, statutes, regulations, and case law.
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Analyze how judges interpret law and resolve legal disputes.
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Understand legal reasoning, precedent, and the rule of law.
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Recognize key legal doctrines and their societal applications.
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Build a foundational vocabulary in legal terminology and reasoning.
