Introduction
The Law, Justice, and Society major investigates both law and the justice system as social institutions, both within the United States and in a broader global context. As an interdisciplinary major, it introduces students to perspectives on the law drawn from Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, Religion, Economics, and more. It introduces students to both American and international or comparative law, and to legal concepts, institutions, and practices.
Law, Justice, and Society majors take foundational classes in American politics, American public law, and comparative law. They can also take courses and hone their skills in areas such as the following:
Constitutional law
National security law
International law
Crime, criminal law, and punishment
Legal advocacy
Social and political justice
Human rights
Legal ethics
Majors can develop robust relationships with faculty (sometimes with co-authoring opportunities), county judges and legal practitioners (both offering intern opportunities) and other legal advocates as students discover, study, compete (via mock trial and moot court teams) and intern in various areas of the law.
Courses appropriate for prospective majors
Students interested in trying out the major should consider starting by taking POSC 120 (American Government) and then either one of the required classes in American law or one of the required classes in comparative or international law.
Courses that fulfill distribution requirements
The following courses are required of all majors:
POSC 120: American Government
A class in American law (currently, either POSC/LAWP 248: The Judiciary or POSC 220 (Constitutional Law)
A class in international or comparative law (such as LAWP 290/SOCI 230: Law and Society or LAWP/POSC 290: Comparative Law)
LAJS 400: Senior Seminar
Six electives, including at least one each in Concepts, Institutions, and Practices.
In addition, students must complete an experiential learning requirement.
Suggested curricular flow through the major
Students interested in the Law, Justice, and Society major are advised to start by taking POSC 120 (Introduction to American Government) and then either their required class in American law or their required class in comparative/international law in their first year at the college. Introduction to American Government is a prerequisite for upper-level requirements, while the law classes introduce students to the field and should help them decide whether the major is right for them. In subsequent years, students have a good degree of flexibility in course choice and will progress differently through the major, depending on when they declare it and what other academic goals they are pursuing. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors on course planning, since many courses – such as LAWP/POSC 248: The Judiciary – are offered only once per year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their experiential learning requirement by the fall of their senior year. It is not advisable to wait until the final semester to begin planning this. Finally, prior to their senior year, students should discuss with their advisor how they plan to take the senior seminar, LAJS 400. We plan to offer one senior seminar per semester, so students should know what their options are before deciding when to take the seminar. Additional questions about major requirements should be directed to the program coordinator.
Co-curricular activities/programs
Law, Justice, and Society majors who wish to participate in Dickinson's very successful Mock Trial program should contact mocktrial@dickinson.edu