Introduction to Law and Society

Catalog description

This course provides and introduction to the study of principles, institutions and procedures characteristic of government in the United States, national, state and local. Special attention is given to the American legal system including its development, structure and history; the judicial process and judicial interpretations of constitutional principles regarding federal-state relations, legislative authority, presidential authority, civil liberties and civil rights. This course includes study of the California Constitution and analysis of the California legal system. Issues including immigration, police authority, juvenile crime, due process in court proceedings and punishment policies are debated. Also included is a review of the principles of legal ethics. This course partially fulfills a state requirement in American Institutions.