LAWS-6246 (2) Introduction to United States Legal System/Legal Reasoning, Research and Writing

Introduces students without a law degree to the basic structure and content of the United States legal system, examining how the three branches of government at the state and federal levels make law and policy in the United States. The course will provide a basic introductory overview of the following: the various sources of law, including an understanding of how statutes are enacted by legislative institutions; the role of the United States court system in interpreting laws; application of judicial precedent in common-law systems; trial and appellate court procedures; and judicial review standards. The course will also introduce students to the methodology of American law, including legal reasoning, research, and writing, through a variety of in-class and outside research and writing assignments.