Law and Legal Studies Major
“I … do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of The United States ….” Opening words of the U.S. Army Officer Commissioning Oath
The Department of Law welcomes cadets who are interested in a rigorous program in undergraduate legal studies, and offers the Law and Legal Studies major for the Class of 2017.
Law has long been a proper subject of study by educated men and women in many fields and professions, not just lawyers. Writers in virtually every age and culture have addressed the nature of law and its significance to their societies. This is especially so in our own country, which is founded on the principle of the rule of law.
Our legal studies program supports the Academy’s academic goal of educating cadets to be leaders of character in a rapidly changing and often ambiguous world. The study of law requires a knowledge of history and culture, the ability to deal with complex moral and ethical issues, clear and concise communication skills, and an understanding of how individuals, organizations, and societies pursue goals. We do not seek to provide cadets with a body of legal knowledge or to train them to become lawyers: this is not a pre-law program. Rather, it is designed to educate cadets to think critically and analyze effectively complex social, technological, political, economic, and moral problems that are contained within the framework of law.
The Department is a founding member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs. Formed in 2003, the Consortium is an organization for colleges and universities that have interdisciplinary programs geared toward undergraduate education about law and justice in the United States and internationally. It seeks to help its members improve their programs to serve better the educational needs of their students. Likewise, the Department of Law continually seeks ways to enhance the educational experience of our legal studies majors so that they may be better prepared to serve as self-aware, adaptive, and highly capable leaders for the Army and the Nation.
Maritza S. Ryan Colonel, JA Professor and Head Department of Law
Department of Law AIAD Opportunities Office of General Counsel Legal Intern Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DOJ: FBI Academy Quantico, VIRGINIA Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF Congressional Intern COLUMBIA
NYPD Headquarters New York City, NEW YORK
The War Crimes Staff Ride Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina U.S. Supreme Court Legal Intern. Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Legal Intern at District Attorney's Offices Across U.S., United States Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF Secret Service COLUMBIA The Army Chief of Staff Executive Strategy Group Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Military Paralympics Colorado Springs, COLORADO Department of State - Berlin office Berlin, Germany
NSA AIAD Fort Meade, MARYLAND
Latham & Watkins Internship New York, NEW YORK The Judge Advocate General's Office Washington D.C., DISTRICT OF Intern COLUMBIA Washington D.C., DISTRICT OF Civil Rights Staff Ride COLUMBIA
Marsh & McLennan Corporate AIAD New York CIty, NEW YORK
PACOM Legal Internship Camp H.M. Smith, HAWAII European Staff Judge Advocate Internship Stuttgart, Germany Special Victims Criminal Investigation Unit Fort Worth, TEXAS
U.S. District Court Intern New York City, NEW YORK Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF World Bank Internship COLUMBIA New York City District Attorney Legal Intern New York, NEW YORK
2 2017 Law and Legal Studies Major
Subject Description Area IT Course Choose 1 of 2
THEORY & IT305 PRAC OF MIL IT SYS ADV THEORY IT355 OF MIL IT SYS AND Required Must take all Courses 4 of 4
INTRO TO LW310 LEGAL STUDIES LW474 LAW OF WAR JURISPRUDEN CE AND LW495 LEGAL THEORY LX300 3RD SEMESTER FOREIGN LANG AND Elective Choose 4 of 7
COMPARATIV E LEGAL LW410 SYSTEMS CRIMINAL LW472 LAW ENVIRONMEN LW473 TAL LAW ADV CONSTITUTIO LW475 NAL LAW SEMINAR INTERNATION LW481 AL LAW BUSINESS LW488 LAW SPECIAL LW490 TOPICS
3 Choose 2 of the following electives:
EV365 GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CULTURES EV371 GEOGRAPHY OF RUSSIA EV372 GEOGRAPHY OF ASIA EV373 GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA EV375 GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA EV376 GEOGRAPHY OF MIDDLE EAST HI344 MODERN DIPLOMACY HI372 U.S. FOREIGN RELATIONS SINCE 1898 HI391 WORLD RELIGIONS MG390 NEGOTIATIONS FOR LEADERS SS366 COMPARATIVE POLITICS SS381 POLITICAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY SS385 COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS SS386 POLITICAL THOUGHTS AND IDEAS SS465 TERRORISM: NEW CHALLENGES SS466 ADVANCED TERRORISM STUDIES SS473 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY SS483 NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR SS486 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR XH467 WINNING THE PEACE LXxxx Completion of a 4th semester of a foreign language
EP359 LOGICAL REASONING EP363 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY HI390 EARLY NATIONAL AMERICA HI394 REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA
HI395 HISTORY OF CIVIL WAR AMERICA HI396 MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA HI398 SOCIETY & CULTURE IN AMER. HIST. PL372 SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY PL377 SOCIAL INEQUALITY PL393 CRIMINOLOGY SS483 NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR SS373 AMERICAN PRESIDENCY SS379 LEGISLATIVE POLITICS SS386 POLITICAL THOUGHT AND IDEAS SS464 HOMELAND SECURITY SS472 THE AMERICAN STATE & THE SOLDIER SS480 ADVANCED AMER. POLITICS, POLICY, STRATEGY 4 LXxxx Completion of a 4th semester of a foreign language
*Cadets majoring in Law and Legal Studies who are interested in taking a fourth semester of a foreign language have the option to use one of their two electives offered outside the Department of Law on a foreign language course.
2015 Law and Legal Studies Major w/ Honors Curriculum
Subject Area Description Required Courses Choose 2 of 2
LW498 THESIS I: PROPOSAL & RESEARCH LW499 THESIS II: PAPER & DEFENSE AND Grade Requirements Complete the requirements of the major as shown above attain an APSC of at least 3.0 in the core curriculum and an APSC of at least 3.5 in the major, and an average of at least 3.33 in LW498 and LW499.
5 LW310 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW310 INTRO TO LEGAL STUDIES 2004 1 3.0
SCOPE This course provides the foundation for studying law. It begins with a study of jurisprudence and legal theory. Jurisprudence denotes the philosophy of law, an approach that considers the sources and nature of the law and legal systems and encompasses such themes as natural law and legal positivism. Legal theory looks at law and legal theory from the perspective of other disciplines, such as sociology and economics. The course will further explore the nature, function, sources and structure of the prevalent legal systems of the world. Cadets will use these skills to explore systemic methods of legal analysis and apply those methods to the interpretation of cases, statutes, regulations and constitutions. Short persuasive paper and two oral arguments.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Persuasive paper and oral arguments.
LW410 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW410 COMPARATIVE LEGAL 2004 1 3.0 SYSTEMS
SCOPE This course uses a comparative approach to study the major legal systems of the world. After a short introduction to legal tradition theory, students study the earliest legal tradition, Chthonic law, followed by Talmudic law, civil law, Islamic law, English common law , Hindu law, Chinese law The traditions studied are the foundation for the laws and legal systems of most of the world today, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. Similarities and differences between these systems and the American legal system are explored. Social, political, and economic factors which distinguish these systems and more recently have begun to integrate them are covered. Emphasis is placed on the sources of law, the procedures for resolving legal disputes, and basic principles of civil and criminal justice.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Individual research paper and three group projects (one is a presentation).
6 LW472 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW472 CRIMINAL LAW 2006 1 3.0
SCOPE This course will examine the legal, social, religious, cultural, and political motivations that justice systems use to characterize certain actions as “criminal.” The course will revolve around the traditional reasons for criminal law, namely blameworthiness and punishment, and also examine how institutions use criminal law to serve their narrow interests. This course will introduce theories surrounding criminal law and illustrate how cadets may apply law immediately in their roles as officers. The course will examine federal and state criminal codes and also the Uniform Code of Military Justice. From a legal perspective based on the U.S. Constitution and other criminal codes, some of the topics covered include the death penalty, insanity, corporate crime, conspiracy, murder, necessity, and self-defense.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
LW473 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW473 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW 2013 2 3.0
SCOPE Environmental law has become an integral part of the legal system in the United States today. This course provides an introduction to environmental issues and the framework of the major federal environmental statues (the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.), and how the law works in practice. The course also covers environmental issues in the military and the growing subject of International Environmental Law. This course provides a solid understanding of the legislative, administrative and judicial system of environmental law today.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: One or more essays, as determined by the course instructor.
LW474 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW474 LAW OF WAR 2011 1 3.0
7 SCOPE This course is designed to develop in each student an understanding of basic law of war (LOW), with an emphasis on issues that might arise on the battlefield at a tactical level. The ethical and historical background of LOW will be examined, including Geneva Conventions and protocols, and how LOW is enforced on international and national levels, to include prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Illustrative examples will include the Nuremberg Tribunal, My Lai, and the Gulf War. The emphasis is on the LOW responsibilities of the junior officer.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Two research papers of moderate length (approximately five pages each) may be required. Topics will be determined in consultation with the instructor.
LW475 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW475 ADVANCED 1980 1 3.0 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SEMINAR
SCOPE
This seminar targets several discreet provisions of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, such as the Free Speech clause and the right to keep and bear Arms in the civil context, and the Right of Confrontation and the Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause in the criminal context. Cadets gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the federal courts in developing constitutional law by examining cases in these particular subjects. The seminar format facilitates active and robust classroom discussion and debate, and stimulates critical thinking about complex issues of law and policy. The seminar includes a trip section to the Supreme Court to observe an oral argument and meet with a Supreme Court Justice. The seminar also features several guest-teaching appearances by sitting federal judges.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Presentations, oral arguments, and written opinions as required by the instructor.
LW481 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW481 INTERNATIONAL LAW 2004 1 3.0
SCOPE 8 The field of international law is one of the most dynamic areas of the law, and its principles are often applied in addressing the complex security problems facing our nation. The course itself is divided into four major sections: Introduction to International Law; International Human Rights Law; International Criminal Law; and International Humanitarian Law. This course will familiarize you with the doctrines which govern the rights and obligations of states and international organizations, during both times of peace and conflict. This course will integrate some themes from other courses in the Department of Law and reinforce some fundamental principles you will confront as you seek to understand the relationship between law, diplomacy, and military operations.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
LW488 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW488 BUSINESS LAW 1978 1 3.0
SCOPE This course introduces cadets to the basics of business and commercial law and prepares cadets as leaders to identify and achieve resolution of legal issues in everyday business transactions. It surveys the multi- dimensional nature of the rule of law as it governs commerce. Cadets will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing fact-based scenarios, evaluate the ethical aspects of business decisions, and assess the impact law has on political, social, environmental, and technological developments in business. This course employs both case study and problem-solving methods of instruction.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
LW490 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW490 SPECIAL TOPICS 1999 2 3.0
SCOPE An in-depth seminar course concentrating on a single area of the law. The course is conducted by the Department's Visiting Professor or a Law faculty member when the visiting professor is unavailable.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min. 9 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Potential for one or more essays, as determined by the course instructor, and dependent on the nature of the Special Topics course.
LW495 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE TITLE Eff. Year Eff. Term Credit Hours LW495 JURISPRUDENCE AND 2005 2 3.0 LEGAL THEORY
SCOPE This course is the capstone for the Law and Legal Studies majors at the Academy. The course is an advanced seminar in the legal philosophy as applied to contemporary domestic and international issues. The course integrates legal coursework throughout the curriculum and the Cadet’s respective legal studies major.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Assessment will be based on student papers, projects, WPRs, and presentations.
10 “A competent knowledge of the laws of one’s country is the proper accomplishment of every … scholar, and is almost an essential part of a liberal education.”
Sir William Blackstone, lecture on The Study of the Law, delivered at Oxford University, 1758
For information on the Law and Legal Studies Program contact:
LTC Walter Narramore 845-938-5818, Department Academic Counselor (DAC) [email protected]
Department of Law, 4th floor, Building 606
Visit us on the web at:
http://www.dean.usma.edu/law/
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