PS 275 Legal Processes Through Civil Rights and Liberties

This course introduces students to basic concepts of the legal system by focusing on the civil rights and liberties of American citizens. Among the legal principles covered are how the court system is organized, the differences between civil and criminal law, and how court cases are appealed. Fundamental civil rights and liberties covered include the issues of free speech, unreasonable search and seizure, the right to counsel, the impact of the Patriot Act on these rights, the right to privacy including a woman's right to control her own body, freedom of religion, the separation of church and state, and the equal protection of the laws dealing with discrimination in America.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Students learn the analytical legal standards applied by the courts at both the Federal and State levels that apply to the Constitutional Right of individuals. These are applied to issues of freedom of expression, freedom of religion, rights to privacy, rights to council, and other fundamental rights provided by the United State Constitution
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Students are introduced to the latest Supreme Court interpretations of rights and liberties that apply to citizens and residents of the United States. Since Constitutional cases often deal with people at the margins of our society on issues like gay rights, racial equality, and rights to assemble, students are introduced to the legal and philosophical reasons that require a democratic society to protect persons across the wide spectrum of American life
3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. With a focus on Constitutional Rights and Liberties, this class specifically focuses on the relationship between individuals and society. Criminal law is designed to define when individual behavior transgresses the standard of conduct to protect society. Constitutional Rights and Liberties define the relationship between government and individuals in a democratic society, specifically the scope of freedom protected from government interference
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Students learn how to apply defined legal standards to fact patterns that emerge from the real world. The skill developed involves applying legal doctrines to actual conduct to determine whether the behavior is Constitutionally protected
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Students become literate in legal vocabulary and doctrines. They learn how to apply these doctrines to analyze legal fact patterns. Students are introduced to legal research and learn how to locate both relevant case law and legal journals with relevant and reliable information. Students learn the difference between plagiarism and use of sources properly cited in their legal brief assignments. Students are taught to integrate relevant, appropriately cited information into written assignments in support of the arguments and claims they develop
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Constitutional cases deal with people at the margins of our society on issues like gay rights, racial equality, gender equality, rights to free speech, rights to assemble, and the right to vote. Students are introduced to the legal and philosophical reasons that require a democratic society to protect persons across the wide spectrum of American life
7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Student learn how to apply legal standards to specific issues in society ranging from free speech and assembly, to freedom to exercise religion, to the right to protest, a women’s right to privacy over her own body, gay rights, racial equality, and criminal rights.