If students have an interest in what rights they are entitled to and how to talk their way out of parking tickets with law enforcement, then today’s featured class, Legal Systems and Concepts, is a perfect fit.
Dr. John Sears teaches Legal Systems and Concepts in periods 2 and 5.
The lessons in this class consist of the basic steps in the creation of legislation, court procedures and the functions of the US Constitution.
The work in this class consists of group-based projects. The activities are hands-on, and range from posters to slideshow presentations. Participation and willingness to work in groups are the two basic necessities needed to pass this class.
Senior Benjamin Walgamuth has a love for law, and joined the class with the hope of becoming a lawyer.
“My dad is a lawyer, his work fascinates me when we talk about his work days,” Walgamuth said. “I also want to work my way up to judge, interpreting the law of the land. Plus, a cool robe.”
Since joining this class, Walgamuth has learned the procedures in both criminal and civil courts. He finds the classwork easy to complete, and the homework amount compact.
“There’s very little homework,” Walgamuth said. “I’d say whatever homework you [get] is for the research of the project you are making.”
As of now, Sears has finished teaching his students a few of the major Supreme Court cases. Now the students are working on an assignment focusing on high-profile cases and why they may have gotten appealed.
“Look, I’m not going to make somebody a lawyer in one year,” Sears said. “It’s only two one-semester classes. So it’s more of an overview. The main purpose is to let students know what their rights are and also their responsibilities—to give them an idea why the laws are like they are, and how, even though you may not like it, it was set up to protect maybe somebody else, and to provide a little balance that way.”
Students who want to have a basic knowledge on the way their government works and what rights they are entitled to should consider taking Legal Systems and Concepts.
“Anybody should want to know what their rights are and how laws are made.” Sears said. “Then they might realize why things are the way they are. The more knowledge you have, the better.”
