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Recommended Pre-Law Course Sequence
| Law Electives |
| State & Local Government (Public Administration), Business Law, International Relations, Introduction to Philosophy, Law and Literature |
| Extra-Curricular Activities for Pre-Law |
| Logic (IMAX program), Speech & Debate Club/Team, Moot Court Competition, Pre-Law Club, Model United Nations |
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Legal Systems and Concepts (2 Semesters)
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Trial Advocacy I (1 Semester)
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| Legal Systems and Concepts is an honors-level course which is designed to introduce students to various aspects of the law, jurisprudence and the workings of our legal system. The course emphasis is on discussion, “hands on” interactive application, role playing and active learning. Unit studies include: introduction to the American legal system; criminal law and juvenile justice; civil procedure including tort law, negligence and appellate jurisdiction. Throughout the yearlong course, students monitor current and topical events as they involve both the law and our legal system. | Trial Advocacy I is a semester course focusing on the fundamentals of trial and advocacy in the American justice system. The anatomy of a trial is explored through use of videotapes of actual criminal proceedings. Speech and debate skills are learned with a focus on their applications in the courtroom. Students develop basic courtroom skills used in trial practice including opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination, introduction of exhibits and demonstrative evidence, trial strategy, courtroom procedure and decorum. The course combines lecture/demonstration, guest speakers, video, power point presentations and mock trials. A courtroom facility located on campus provides a very real-life setting for the mock trials. |
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Constitutional Law (2 Semesters)
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Mock Trial(1 Semester)
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| Constitutional Law is an honors level course for upperclassmen that focuses on constitutional law and judicial policy-making. Students study the Constitution and the structure, inner workings and political history of the Supreme Court. In addition, students read and evaluate the chronology of major Supreme Court decisions from the establishment of judicial review to modern civil rights cases. Students brief cases, discuss court decisions, and learn how to do legal research to better understand the operation of the Supreme Court and the role of litigators. | Trial Advocacy II is the second semester course which builds upon and applies the knowledge students mastered during the first semester of Trial Advocacy. This course examines the various methods used by attorneys to prepare a court case for trial. Students further develop skills in openings, closings and examination of witnesses with each student trying a case. Highlights include an exploration into litigation technology through which students learn to use technology to enhance their trial presentations. Includes the use of computer slide presentations, animation and other presentation software. Self and peer critique is a key component of the learning process in this course. Students are able to self-critique through the use of video of their own presentations. |
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Criminal Law (1 Semester)
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Contemporary Legal Issues (1 Semester)
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| Honors Criminal Law provides students with an introduction to the criminal justice system and its process. Students begin by learning the different phases of a criminal case as it travels through the justice system from arrest, to trial and verdict. Discussions center on issues related to Florida’s criminal law. Students are exposed to both sides of the criminal justice process: the prosecution and the defense. Students also study the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and the rights and protections guaranteed to criminal defendants by these amendments. Videotaped legal films and television programs, as well as speakers employed in the criminal justice field are incorporated to help reinforce the subject matter. Students have the opportunity to use their knowledge by representing a criminal case as both prosecution and defense attorney on selected issues.
(Prerequisite: Legal Systems and Concepts) |
This course explores current legal issues and the impact these issues have on the lives of all citizens. Among the topics covered are: the rights of a teenager, a student, an adult citizen and a consumer. Current local and national, high profile criminal and civil actions are examined and discussed. The role of the media in covering and impacting the law is also examined. Students become familiar with fundamental elements of law and historical background, as well as current trends and issues, and problems in the law. |
| Semester I | Semester II | |
| Freshman |
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| Sophomore |
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| Junior |
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| Senior |
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About Nikki Ippolito-Laurie
Program Co-Director |
About Ken Padowitz
Program Co-Director |