Understanding Legal Systems

Abstract

AREA EDITOR EXAMPLE RESOURCE:This series of class sessions and assignments is designed to introduce students to the way legal systems are organized around the world as well as within the United States by covering the history of modern legal systems; the structure of the US government and law-making process; families of law (common, civil, theocratic,...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Law and Society

Class Level(s):

College 300

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

First, we discuss the US legal system. Students read the US Constitution & text sections and take a quiz ("us legal system quiz.pdf") in Blackboard before class. We review the quiz in class, focusing on the checks and balances system, Constitutional scrutiny, and the law-making process (using the Schoolhouse Rock video on how a bill becomes a law, on...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1) Understand the differences and similarities between legal systems around the world2) Reinforce basic civics knowledge about the U.S. legal system
2. 3) Understand how modern legal systems emerged in world-historical perspective4) Apply and interpret legal concepts in unfamiliar settings

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Individual completion of a take-home essay/exam based on an imaginary country scenario