POL 2122 - Law and Society

Credits: 4

This course is an introductory course in the law that examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the law and its impact on individuals and society. The course will cover the history and sources of U.S. law, the difference between substantive, procedural, criminal, and civil law, legal reasoning, the structure and role of the federal and state court systems, the role of the litigation process, and the law of torts, contracts, landlord and tenant, personal property, consumer protection, real estate, agency, employment, and probate. Through the use of selected readings and courts cases, the course will focus on the legal, political, and social implications of select legal issues such as affirmative action, discrimination laws, drug testing, privacy laws, copyright laws and music downloading, legalization/decriminalization of marijuana, hate crimes, gun control, abortion rights, and the right to die.