CTE Law

Honors Law and Public Safety I - Law in American Society

Course Number: 748131H

Prerequisites: n/a

Credits: 1                

This is the first course in a four year sequence of Law and Public Safety classes. The course will focus on three main areas: the structure and operation of the legal system in the United States; the criminal justice system; and the fundamentals of trial procedure. You will learn the basics of American government and the criminal court system. You will also learn how to prepare and conduct trials to compete in two mock trial competitions in front of real judges in actual courtrooms.

             Priority given to students in the CTE Law program.  Course does not fulfill any of the three year social science course requirement.

Honors Law and Public Safety II - Civil & Constitutional Law                  

Course Number: 748231H

Prerequisites: n/a

Credits: 1

This law course is the second in a four-year sequence of law classes and is divided into two sections. During the first semester, you will study the juvenile justice system as well as civil law and civil litigation. You will also study family law and tort law. In the second semester, you will make connections between consumer education and constitutional rights and responsibilities by studying landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases. You will also analyze the decision-making processes of the Court by participating in a civil mock trial competition.

            Priority given to students in the CTE Law program.  Course does not fulfill any of the three year social science course requirement.

Honors Law and Public Safety III - Dual Credit Law in American Criminal Justice System (Criminal Psychology) 

Course Number: 749221A

Prerequisites: For Dual Credit: Minimum GPA of 2.5 and 90% attendance rate

Credits: 1

This course explores the areas of the American criminal justice system, the United States Constitution, and criminology. Students will analyze and explain the structures and functions of the American legal system, identify principles of criminal and civil law, study landmark decisions of the United States Supreme Court, become familiar with the major theories of the causes of crime, and study fundamental techniques of investigative procedures and evidence analysis. Students will evaluate their ever-increasing freedoms and responsibilities under the American system of law. This course will also include mock trials and presentations by attorneys and other practitioners in the field of law.  Dual credit will be offered through City Colleges of Chicago for both semesters.  This course is the ideal elective for an upclassmen looking to get exposure to the Law program.  

            Priority given to students in the CTE Law program.  Course does not fulfill any of the three year social science course requirement.                      

Honors Law and Public Safety IV - Academic Seminar/Legal Practicum/Internship 

Course Number: 748431H

Prerequisites: Two of the three prior law courses, Senior Standing, and/or dept. approval; For Dual Credit: Minimum GPA of 2.5 and 90% attendance rate

Credits: 1              

This course is the final component of a four-year sequence of Law and Public Safety Academy (LPSA) classes that is designed to give students authentic exposure to careers in the American legal system through participation in an internship experience.  The student should have been successful in Honors Pre-Law 1 -Law in American Society, Honors Pre-Law II-Civil & Constitutional Law, and Honors Pre-Law III-Criminal Psychology. Before starting the internships, students practice interviewing techniques, effective communication, problem solving in the workplace and diversity training.  Students also develop knowledge of legal ethics, effective communication and legal research and writing. Throughout the internship, students will keep a written journal of experiences that will be used to complete their Final Capstone project. Students will be expected to complete all course reading and writing assignments in accordance with the Common Core standards adopted by CPS for this grade.    Dual credit will be offered through City Colleges of Chicago for at least first semester.