An introduction to basic elements of the American legal system, including courts, judges, juries, policing and imprisonment, the processes of criminal and civil justice, and legal reasoning.  Students will not only read about these aspects of the legal system, but study them directly through field observations of local courtrooms and interviews with judges, cops, and lawyers.  In their research, students will address fundamental questions about the relationship of law and politics.  First, what makes law legitimate, that is, worthy of obedience?  Second, if, in practice, law is selectively mobilized, can we truly say that we live in a society with "the rule of law"?  In sum, what makes "the rule of law" different from "the rule of the powerful"?

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: POL1 200.

Instructor: Burke

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: