Law Studies is a practical program of legal education designed to engage high school students in a critical examination of their legal responsibilities and rights. In this elective, students have the opportunity to conduct discussions, research, and debates with their classmates about practical legal problems, contemporary legal issues, and the ramifications of breaking the law. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide students with a sense of belonging in society through empowerment with knowledge of the law. By providing students with a nonadversarial view of the law, Law Education works to provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of authority, fairness, justice, and responsibility that underlie our legal system. By demystifying the law, Law Education will hopefully allow young people to develop a positive attitude towards the law and reduce juvenile delinquency. We will touch on broad and specific legal topics to give students a better understanding of the law and how it affects you in real life. We will use case studies, individual research, group discussion/debate, guest speakers, and mock trials throughout the course to reach our goal.
Course Goals
(1) to provide a practical understanding of the law and the legal system useful to students in their everyday lives;
(2) to improve understanding of the fundamental principles and values of our Constitution, laws and legal system;
(3) to promote awareness of current legal issues and controversies;
(4) to encourage effective citizen participation in our legal system;
(5) to bring about greater justice, tolerance, and fairness;
(6) to develop a willingness and an ability to resolve disputes through informal and, where necessary, formal resolution mechanisms;
(7) to improve basic skills including critical thinking and reasoning, communication, observation, and problem-solving;
(8) to examine and clarify attitudes toward the role that law, lawyers, law enforcement officers and the legal system plays in our society; and
(9) to expose students to the many vocational opportunities within the legal system.
EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to complete assignments when given.
Students are expected to pay attention during presentations, discussions, and take notes.
Students are expected to study for tests and quizzes, complete homework assignments and projects on time.
Students are expected to follow all classroom, Amite Magnet High School.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times.
Students are expected to complete reading assignments in advance of the material presented in class. You should take notes from your reading and/or graphically organize your learning.
All work must complete by due date. projects may be done using a computer.
ASSESSMENTS:
Major tests will be given at the conclusion of each chapter/unit (approximately every one-two weeks). In addition, quizzes and other class work grades will be given on a daily basis. Any work given in-class will receive a grade and can affect the overall grade. Grades will be weighted as follows:
Major Tests/Projects 60%
Homework/Class work/Quizzes 40%
Total 100%
End of Year Exam 20%
4 BASIC RULES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
1. The Teacher- appropriate interaction: ex. always ask for permission
2. Your Classroom- no damage or destruction: ex. vandalism
3. Your Classmate- appropriate interaction; ex. communicate in a kind manner
4. Yourself- come prepared to learn; ex. have materials ready at the beginning of class
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
A three ring binder for this class only with pockets to hold class work and graded work
Plenty of notebook paper (Wide Rule needed for notes , test and essays).
Pencils and Pens for homework and class work. (blue or black ink only).
In addition, students will be given projects throughout the year, and will need the following:
Index/Note Cards for vocabulary word (about 35 per chapter)
Flash Drive
Zoom
Poster board
Colored Pens/Pencils/Markers
‘MAKE-UP WORK DUE TO ABSENCES:
Students are expected to make up any missed grades/class notes within five days of their return to school. It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to find out what was missed and make arrangements with me to make-up work, including tests and quizzes. Homework and classroom work that is not turned in on time will not be accepted. Major items will count off 10% a day up to 5 days.