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Fall 2013 Credit Courses: Legal Studies

BA in Liberal Studies: Legal Studies

The Nature and Function of Law
The study of law from a liberal arts perspective, emphasizing the role that law and the legal order play in the institutional arrangements and human relations of a society. The course examines the basic concepts, language, institutions, and forms of law that characterize the American legal order.
CPO3185.20 / 4 credits
Laura Ricciardi
Wed., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept. 4–Dec. 18
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Introduction to Civil Law
An exploration of the day-to-day applications of civil law: who can sue and be sued, the basis for lawsuits, and how to win cases. Through case studies and mock litigation, students explore such issues as product liability, medical malpractice, negligence, strict liability, and legal procedure, including document production and the use of expert witnesses.
CSO1590.20 / 4 credits
Arnold Streisfeld
Mon., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept. 9–Dec. 16
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Anatomy of a Trial and the Jury Process
Topics include the mechanism of the U.S. jury system; the truth-seeking process of juries; the concepts of mistrials, jury nullification, and hung juries; and a consideration of whether trial by jury is the best method for attaining justice. Students participate in a week-by-week mock trial, permitting hands-on experience in jury selection, opening statements, cross-examination, and summation.
CSO3210.20 / 4 credits
Linda Gironda
Mon., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept. 9–Dec. 16
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Sexual Assault: The Courts and Society Today
Students examine the different types of sexual assault; the effects on victims, their families, and society; and the legal process unique to sexual assault prosecutions. Topics include legal protection for special victims; motivation of criminals; date rape, domestic violence, and battered women’s syndrome; and crimes against children. The roles of investigators, doctors, forensic scientists, district attorneys, judges, experts, and psychological counselors are also analyzed.
CSO3655.45 / 4 credits
CSO9655.45 / noncredit option / $625
Fredric Green
Tues., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept. 3–Dec. 17
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Capital Punishment in America
An examination of the historical, moral, and legal issues surrounding the death penalty. Students confront the major controversial issues in the current death penalty debate and learn to form arguments from both the pro– and anti–death penalty perspectives. Topics include retribution, deterrence, proportionality, discrimination, error, and public opinion. Students analyze Supreme Court decisions and scholarly treatments of capital punishment.
CSS3729.20 / 4 credits
Charles Murphy
Thurs., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept 5–Dec. 19
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Law, Ethics, and the Media
The First Amendment allows the mass media certain freedoms to publish, broadcast, advertise, and promote. Yet with those rights come responsibilities. This course examines the legal and ethical dimensions and issues involved with contemporary American mass media. Also offered as CSS 3755.
FTF3755.45 / 4 credits
CSS9755.45 / noncredit option / $625
John Breslin
Tues., 6:30–9:50 p.m.
Sept. 3–Dec. 17
Room: Refer to the online schedule

Posted April 15, 2013

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