Legal Studies
The Legal Studies Program is an interdisciplinary field of study composed of law courses from: the departments of criminal justice, political science, history and sociology; and the schools of business, education, and engineering.
Why Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's offers a minor in legal studies as a complement to such degree programs as criminal justice, political science and psychology. As part of the minor, students interested in law school will benefit from counseling and guidance from a pre-law advisor.
The rigor of the Legal Studies Program at Saint Martin’s provides students with an experience comparable to the first year of law school. Participants investigate:
- The interrelationship of law and society
- The protection of civil liberties
- The constitutional rules that govern criminal law
- The regulations and legal principles that operate in the business context
- Modern laws that protect the environment
Research and internships
Legal studies participants may:
- Intern in public or private law offices
- Pursue independent study on legal topics of interest
- Elect to write a senior capstone on legal issues through a related major in criminal justice, sociology, social work, psychology, history, or political science.
Legal Studies Requirements
Required courses (9 credit hours)
- LS 101: The Legal Environment and Ethics
- CJ/PLS 430: Constitutional Safeguards and Individual Liberties
- CJ 304: Law and Evidence
Elective courses (12 credit hours)
Must select 12 credit hours from the following:
- HIS/PLS 378: American Constitutional Development
- BUS 225: Business Law I
- BUS 226: Business Law II
- CJ/PLS 420: Philosophy of Law
- CJ/PLS 379: Judicial Process
- CJ/SOC 410: Law and Society
- CJ 460: Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure
- ED 371: Educational Law
- SED 467: Legal Issues and IFSP/IEP
- GE 359: Ethics, Law, & Economics in Engineering Practice
- LS 395: Special Topics in Legal Studies
- LS 397: Directed Readings in Legal Studies
Legal Studies at a Glance
- Program Type
- Minor
- Campus
- Main (Lacey)
- Type of Instruction
- Hybrid
- In Person
- School
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Resources
- What can I do with this major?