Academy of Legal Studies
LAW STUDIES
Credit 1
The primary content for the course includes the study of the American legal system as the foundation of American society by examining those laws which have an impact on citizens' lives and an introduction to fundamental civil and criminal justice procedures. Content should include, but is not limited to, the need for law, the basis for our legal system, civil and criminal law, adult and juvenile courts, family and consumer law, causes and consequences of crime, individual rights and responsibilities, and career opportunities in the legal system.
LEGAL SYSTEMS AND CONCEPTS
Credit .5
This course pertains to the examination of the nature of specific rights granted under the United States Constitution. Content should include, but is not limited to, the historical antecedents of laws and the basis for the creation of laws, the background, principles and applications of the United States Constitution, the rights protected by the Constitution and precedent-setting cases related to these rights, the process for enacting criminal laws at the state and local levels, the stages of the criminal justice system, the government and private agencies which provide services to individuals accused of crimes, the citizen's role in the legal system, the role of women and diverse cultural groups within the justice system, and careers in the justice system.
COURT PROCEEDURES
Credit .5
The content of this course will include, but not be limited to, the structure, processes and procedures of county, circuit and federal courts, civil and criminal procedures, juvenile law, the rights of the accused, evolution of court procedures, comparative legal systems, and career choices in the judicial system.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Credit .5
Political science’s focus is on government institutions and political processes and their influence on American society. Content should include, but is not limited to, the types of government, the functions and purpose of government, the function of the state, exercise of power, policy making and public opinion, political control and the economy, political ideologies, civil liberties, international relations, and the evolution of political change.
COMPREHENSIVE LAW HONORS
Credit .5
This course focuses on, the historical antecedents and purpose for laws, the impact of social values on the establishment and interpretation of laws, causes and consequences of crime, evaluation of the adult and juvenile justice systems, significance of the Bill of Rights to the American legal system and elements of constitutionalism, civil and criminal law, family and consumer law, rights and responsibilities under the law, and the adversarial versus inquisitorial systems of justice. This course will incorporate the development of a written appellate brief addressing a contemporary legal question and the presentation of oral arguments to defend their position legally.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Credit 1
This course includes the study of major legal precedents and evolving judicial interpretations associated with the United States Constitution. Content should include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of historical and contemporary constitutional dilemmas through an analysis of legal documents, processes and cases; an examination of the evolution of constitutional government from ancient times to the present; a historical review of the British legal system and its role as a framework for the U.S. Constitution; the arguments in support of our republican form of government, as they are embodied in The Federalist Papers; an examination of the constitution of the state of Florida, its current amendment process, and recent amendments approved by Florida voters; a comparison between the constitutional frameworks of other nations with that of the United States; a review and application of major Supreme Court decisions and the impact of both majority and minority opinions; the understanding of constitutional concepts and provisions establishing the power of the courts including separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and judicial review; and appellate processes and procedures to address constitutional questions.
COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Credit .5
An introduction to the study of comparative politics. Political institutions and behavior in selected European and developing countries are examined in their cultural contexts and in relation to the general theories of comparative politics. The course is designed to expose the student to the tools of comparative political analysis as well as to the varied structures and functions of modern political systems.
AP COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
Credit .5
This advanced placement course introduces students to the rich diversity of political life outside the United States. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students compare the effectiveness of approaches to many global issues by examining how different governments solve similar problems. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments.