Law Minor

Description. The law minor provides a thorough introduction to the legal system including lawmaking, litigation, basic legal research and legal interpretation and analysis.  Students are encouraged to “think as lawyers do” in fact finding, analyzing and devising solutions to legal issues and in resolution of conflicts.  Emphasis is placed on the ethical and practical considerations that influence the work of lawyers, prosecutors, judges and legislators, and on issues of constitutional law and criminal procedure.   In addition, students will be introduced to the study of the theory and philosophy of law and the relationship between law and society. Issues to which special attention will be paid include the limits of law and the disobedience thereof, the nature of the judicial process, and the relations between law and personal morality and a comprehensive analysis of the rules of evidence. 

Rationale. The Minor in Law affords the students with the understanding of the basic concepts of the legal procedures in the American Criminal Justice System. The courses are designed to help the students understand the foundations of the decision makers within the system, from the legislators, through law enforcement agencies, including the police, the courts, corrections, probation and parole agencies. The required courses are organized in a manner that will enable students to analyze and evaluate the constitutional relationship between the individual and government at the federal, state and local levels, with special attention to problems of law enforcement in the United States. 

Learning Outcomes.  Students will:

Begin to use the language of law and be able to describe the operations of the legal system. Show a basic understanding of legal analysis, constitutional interpretation and conflict resolution. Discuss and analyze the ethical, practical and theoretical challenges, and limits of that underpin the American legal system. Discuss and describe the legal aspects and work of law enforcement organizations, the defense bar, lawmakers and the judiciary. Do basic research and advocacy and formulate, dissect and construct arguments.

Credits. 18

Minor coordinator. Professor Eugene O’Donnell, Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration (212.237.8388, eodonnell@jjay.cuny.edu)

Requirements. To receive a minor in Law, students must complete 18 credits of law courses. Four courses are required and students choose one elective.  All courses must have the course designation, "LAW" (or be cross-listed with LAW).  
A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minor or program.

Total Credit Hours: 18