Legal Studies / Pre-Law
The legal studies minor is designed for two groups of students: 1) those interested in pursuing law school; and 2) those who want an introductory understanding of law to supplement their college education. The minor is interdisciplinary, including courses drawn from a variety of relevant disciplines. Some of the courses emphasize the development of skills, such as strong communication and argumentation, which are critical to legal analysis. Still other courses introduce students to legal content or important political, social, or economic contexts for the legal system. The primary emphasis is on the U.S. law and legal system. Students must also complete a major in another area of interest; for pre-law students, this is consistent with recommendations from the American Bar Association; the Law School Admission Council, which administers the Law School Admission Test (LSAT); and most individual law school admissions counselors. The pre-law advisor also provides guidance to students preparing for the LSAT and applying to law school.
Minor
| PL 141 | Logic (suggested in spring of junior year to prepare for LSAT) | 3 |
| EN 210 | Writing And Analysis Of Literature | 4 |
| LW 450 | Legal Research Seminar | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Principles Of Law | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| The U.S. Supreme Court and the American Judiciary | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Law II | ||
| Employment Law and Labor Relations | ||
| Dispute Resolution | ||
| Law, History and Ethics of Mass Media | ||
| Trial Evidence | ||
| Criminal Procedure | ||
| Law and Literature | ||
| Special Topics: Applied Ethics | ||
| Constitutional Law I: Structure of Government | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Advanced Studies in Law and Politics | ||
| Sociology Of Law | ||
| Also suggested: | ||
| Microeconomic Principles | ||
| History of Early America 1 | ||
| History Of Modern America 1 | ||
| The American Nation, 1789-1877 | ||
| Recent American History | ||
| 20th Cent Amer Hist Of Race Gender | ||
| Hrs: Political Syst:Decison Making | ||
| Legal Studies Internship | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Introduction To Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction To American Politics 1 | ||
| Congress | ||
| Politics and Public Policy | ||
| Christian Action:Moral Responsibility, Charitable Service, Social Justice 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 19 | |
| 1 | Indicates course also satisfies a Core requirement. |
Academic Requirements
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 semester hours in the legal studies minor at Mount Mercy. A grade of C or above (C- does not count) is required for each course in the minor.
Courses
LW 420 Legal Studies Internship: 6 semester hours
This is an academically oriented practical experience gained through supervised work assignments with various law firms and legal-related placements. The student will have the opportunity to contrast their studies in the minor with practice in the field. The internship is open to legal studies minors of junior and senior status and with the consent of the pre-law advisor. A student may enroll in and complete a maximum of (6) semester hours, although credit does not apply to the minor (but does apply toward credits for graduation). Prerequisites: at least one of BA 203, CJ 297 or PO 203; junior or senior in good standing; completed and approved application; and consent of the pre-law advisor.