Introduction to the American Legal Systems
You will be introduced to the history, structure, organization, and authorities of the legal systems of justice used in the United States, including the civil, criminal, and juvenile systems.
Introduction to Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure
You will be introduced to the history, theory, and practice of the substantive criminal law. You will examine the sources of law, legislative responsibilities, the major elements of statutory offenses, and their application to the criminal justice process. Also, you will be introduced to the applicable law of how every criminal case is processed.
Face-to-Face with the Law
Meet face-to-face with lawyers, district attorneys, judges, federal agents and others who will describe their incredible journeys from high school through college, law school and the career paths that brought them to where they are today. The twists and turns of their career stories may surprise you.
Hot Topics Debate the most interesting and controversial legal issues facing the criminal justice system in 2009. Learn to argue both sides of an issue like you've never argued before! Get a sense of what it's like to be in law school and in front of a jury and judge. Your voice will be heard and your presentation skills honed as you master your communications and reasoning skills. Hot Topics to be covered will include terrorism/counterterrorism, civil liberties, the use of DNA evidence to overturn convictions, racial and psychological profiling, the death penalty, discrimination and hate crimes, protecting the environment, euthanasia and defending the elderly. A Day in the Field Experience the practice of law firsthand. Visits have been made to court rooms to watch a live trial, correctional facilities, police precincts, firing ranges, forensics labs, and a mayor's office. Each year we repeat the best visits and introduce new ones. All are relevant to the study of law. (See "New York City Experience," below.)
New York City Experience
See New York City from a perspective that your average tourist and even native New Yorker rarely sees. Our tour guide was a high school history teacher for most of her career and is now an adjunct professor at Monroe College. She is also the co-author of It Happened in New York City : Thirty Remarkable Events That Shaped History and co-founder of a most unique walking tour company (pack comfortable shoes!) Mock Trial Put all your knowledge and skills to the test when you participate in the Mock Trial experience. Play the part of prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, juror, or defendant. During the two-week period, you'll practice and prepare so that you are ready for the final Mock Trial presentation.
NOTE: Banquets and breakfast panels, plus informal opportunities for recreation and movie nights are built into the schedule. We will make sure you have great food, good company, and sufficient time to "recharge your batteries." |
