Legal Studies
Introduction
The Legal Studies Program is designed to give students an overview of the American legal system, to help them understand the fundamentals of public and private law, and to acquaint them with the historical and philosophical roots of contemporary American law.
Students in this program learn to read challenging legal material, including cases and statutes, as well as works of legal history and philosophy. They also learn how to write briefs, analyze complex legal arguments, and write effective essays in legal studies. The courses have in-class oral arguments and mock trials in which students have a chance to simulate the roles of judges, witnesses, and attorneys in the daily practice of law.