GOVT 170 - Introduction to Law

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0

Prerequisite(s): None

Restriction(s): None

Corequisite(s): None

This course provides an examination of the United States justice system at the federal and state levels. Attention is given to the relationship between the courts and the political system, the nature of judicial decisions, legalism as an instrument of political authority, and U.S. Supreme Court decision making.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

Describe the basic structures, institutions, and procedures of the American Legal System
Identify and apply key substantive concepts in major areas of U.S. law
Examine the role that the development of and adherence to the rule of law plays in a democratic society
Identify and examine a variety of ethical and policy issues affecting the development and application of the law