Sixth-grade pre-law curriculum: government, history, and policy

Pre-Law Curriculum for the Sixth Grade

Governmental Background

These courses are drafted to create a strong background and knowledge base for the student to explore a career in the legal field in America to a range of degrees.

The American Federal System

This course will present to the students the powers specific to the federal government, specific to the state government and those specific to both. The goal is to have the student understand where these powers are different and where they overlap as well. Students will be forced to consider how the people are able to maintain their sovereignty within this system and the importance of doing so.

State and Local Government

Presents the constitutional background for the state and local government while putting an emphasis on the overlap of the states and their subdivisions along with the goals of both state and local politics. Students will be encouraged to look for instances where their state government ends and their federal government begins to foster a better understanding of the division between them and the reasons behind this.

1.3 American Public Policy

This class describes the procedures for creating agenda, along with the creation and development of policies in the country regarding land, health care and social services.

Goals: To make students aware of the current policies in America and to appreciate how they are shaped and impacted.

Section Two: American History

2.3 The Origins and Evolution of the U.S. Constitution

The development of the U.S. Constitution is discussed as it developed from the 1700s to now and how the social and political conditions of the time impacted this legal document. Judicial appointments and how they influence the Supreme Court also have an influence on modern society and future society.

Elective: The Science of Politics

Introduces the student to the study of political science, including the concept of how politics can even be a science. This course acquaints students with human behavior and how that manifests in politics along with certain research tools. Presents the function of politics, authority patterns, the need for citizenship and political change in general. The objective would be to create a strong understanding of American institutions and procedures along with their adjacent political systems in America.

Elective: The United States as a World Power.

Section Three: Law as a field of study

3.1 Law, Ethics and Society

Describes law and the legal system at large, along with what case law is and how to engage in the analysis and ethical consideration of the world at large. The court system is looked at, as is the difference between the courts, the civil and criminal procedures and individual rights.

3.2 Legal Research

Students are taught what legal research is and what materials they will have to use in a law school environment. Legal research techniques are taught along with intricate hands on activities where students will have to use actual legal materials.

3.3 Law and the Information Age

Computers and how they function in law school and in the legal environment. A basic instruction on WESTLAW will be given, along with hands on experience with that program. Students will be expected to anticipate certain problems one might run into with computers and a legal environment: time-keeping, spreadsheets, docket control.

Section Four: Psychology

4.1 Introduction to Psychology

Offers a strong overview of the psychological process in the average individual and presents a strong case about how elementary psychology works. Human development, language, learning, communication, memory, perception, motivation and emotion are focused upon as is the basis for biology and behavior. Social psychology and psychology within the legal environment is focused upon.

4.2 Psychology and Juror Selection

Using psychology to select jurors in mock trial setting is explored in a faux (but realistic) environment.

4.3 Psychology and Crime

The developmental and motivational factors which lead to a life of crime, along with the social aspects of crime are explored.