This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.

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 141Logic (suggested in spring of junior year to prepare for LSAT)3
EN 210Writing And Analysis Of Literature4
LW 450Legal Research Seminar3
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 Hours19
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.

LW 450 Legal Research Seminar: 3 semester hours

Students will refine legal and general reserach skills, producing a final paper and presentation that examines a legal issue related their respective majors (or other approved topic). Prerequisites: PL 141, one of BA 203, CJ 297 or PO 203; and EN 210.