Law

Justice, Law & International Studies Academy

“The precepts of the law are these: to live honestly, to injure no one, to give every else his due.” – Cicero

The Justice, Law & International Studies Academy engages students in a curriculum designed to prepare them for college and careers in the fields of Law or Criminal Justice. Students are also able to obtain college credits by enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) and College Now (CN) courses. Students have the opportunity to participate in highly engaging elective courses designed to enhance their overall learning experience as well as a law based Career & Technical Education program that culminates in CTE endorsement from the Justice Resource Center of NYC, upon successful completion. Additionally, students have a chance to participate in the award winning Mock Trial Club and Model United Nations class inside of our BRAND NEW COURTROOM! In the Justice, Law & International Studies Academy we aim to provide both a well-rounded and unique learning experience to all of our students!

The Team

Partnership

Justice Resource Center (JRC) - http://jrcnyc.org/site/

The Justice Resource Center (JRC) is a public/private partnership established in 1991, whose mandate is to develop, implement, replicate and evaluate law-related education projects which impact positively on the school age population in the United States.  Founded in NYC, the JRC has moved to international replication.

The Justice Resource Center offers many civic and law-related programs to high school students.  Whether students are building on their knowledge from elementary and middle school or just discovering the world of law, JRC offers programs that help students become college and career ready.  All curriculum materials are aligned with the Common Core standards and some programs equate to college credit. Students develop their potential by engaging in challenging law-related projects whereby they learn research, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Curriculum

GRADE FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER
9

Intro to Law I

Introduction to Law provides an introduction to the principles of sound legal analysis. Through readings and engaging in class exercises, students will develop skills in legal analysis about the structure of the legal system, rule creation and application and legal argument.

Intro to Law II

Introduction to Law II is a continuation of the first semester course.
10

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice focuses on the criminal justice system and its effects on students’ lives. Students will examine the makeup of a criminal law while focusing on the responsibilities of law enforcement at both the local and federal levels to be able to examine and understand the steps of the judicial process.

Criminology

Criminology focuses on the introduction and analyzation of major issues within the American Criminal Justice System providing students with an overview of criminal law from the point of view of law enforcement and sociological issues related to crime in the United States.
11

Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law addresses the fundamental basis of the American legal system: the United States Constitution. Students will explore the beliefs behind constitutional law by analyzing landmark Supreme Court cases from past and present to gain insight into the court’s consistency in following prior precedent.

Mock Trial

Mock Trials primarily focuses on teaching students public speaking skills and debate through the lense of real court proceedings. Students become familiar with witness questioning techniques and plaintiff arguments while employing numerous strategies such as research, discussion, and simulation. Mock Trials really gives students a hands on look at what it takes to be in the courtroom!
12

Legal Research

Legal Research focuses on developing knowledge of how to research case law. Students explore how case law is utilized by attorneys in creating a legal brief for a case while actively working with research tools similar to what is used in the legal industry.

Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy is designed to alert, inform, and educate students in concepts of personal finance and money management. Students will begin to develop the skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibility related to financial planning, savings, investment, and charitable giving in the global economy.

Career & Technology Education Program (Law CTE Track)

Law classes provide students with an opportunity to learn about the American legal system. Students will be introduced to Civil, Criminal and Constitutional Law.  Students who successfully complete the sequence and pass the culminating assessment will receive a Law Career & Technology Education (CTE) endorsement on their diploma from the Justice Resource Center in NYC.

Specialty Elective Courses

Youth Court

The Center for Court Innovation’s Youth Court Training Curriculum (YCTC) helps students gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to serve on a youth court through the core principles of Restorative Justice, Youth Leadership, and Civic Education. Students in the Youth Court class will also get the chance to resolve issues such as behavior, attendance, and the academics of their peers in a formal “Youth Court” proceedings.

Model UN

Model United Nations is an innovative educational program that engages students in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. Model United Nations cultivates literacy, life skills and the attitudes necessary for active citizenship. In Model United Nations, students step into the shoes of UN Ambassadors and debate a range of issues on the UN agenda. Model UN provides a platform for students to develop research, writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Forensics Science

Forensic Science offers students a chance to learn about processing crime scene techniques, fingerprinting, and handwriting analysis.

Mock Trial Club

The Mock Trial Tournament is a statewide competition, where students take the roles of Prosecutors, defense Attorneys and witnesses. These trials are based on fictional cases that have been inspired by real life cases. Each team competes in a real court environment with professional Judges and attorneys acting as the moderators and scorers. The Competition simulates the challenges and excitement of how attorneys prepare and proceed in real cases. The team competes after school at a Courthouse and works closely with an attorney who can help and mentor the students alongside their Mock Trial Team facilitator.

Moot Court

A moot court is an extracurricular activity at many law programs in which participants take part in simulated court proceedings, which usually involves drafting briefs (or memorials) and participating in oral argument. The modern activity differs from a mock trial, as moot court usually refers to a simulated appellate court or arbitral case, while a mock trial usually refers to a simulated jury trial or bench trial. Moot court does not involve actual testimony by witnesses or the presentation of evidence, but is focused solely on the application of the law to a common set of evidentiary assumptions to which the competitors must be introduced.