Law, Courts, and Justice

Catalog description

The course explores the historical and philosophical foundations of the U.S. judicial system and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law. The basic elements and structure of the U.S. legal system are laid out with an emphasis on the federal criminal court structure and process. U.S. Supreme Court decisions concerning criminal procedure are explored specifically, addressing search & seizure, stop & frisk, probable cause & arrest. Finally, competing models of law and legal decision-making are considered to evaluate challenges to the rule of law. The course is a core requirement for the CCJ major. Offered fall and spring.