American+Law+and+Justice+Syllabus

=**American Law and Justice**=

__**American Law and Justice Home**__ || Syllabus || **__Pacing Guide__** || Curriculum Map || Resources || Student Work ||

**Malden **** High School ** **Academic Year 2012-2013 ** **Course Syllabus ** Name of Course – American Law and Justice Course # 02112

Level: Honors

Instructor: __Rick Tivnan__ Room: __B332__

When, how to reach (before/after school office hours):­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
 * 7:30-2:45 Monday-Thursday **
 * 1 day/week early: 7:15-7:40 Wednesday **
 * 1 day/week late: 2:45-3:15 Thursday **


 * Materials **


 * Resources:  || All content related resources will be provided by teacher ||
 * Student supplies: || # Class notebook (3 ring binder with paper)
 * 1) American Law Journal (composition notebook0
 * 2) 2 different colored pens/pencils
 * 3) highlighter ||


 * Course Description **<span style="font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif';">:

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">This informative semester course is the right choice for students with an interest in the criminal justice system. It consists of a series of units involving law, justice, and the courts. Emphasis is placed on such topics as criminal law, judicial decision making, law enforcement and the penal system. The course enables students to critically analyze policy choices related to crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. Throughout the year, students also learn about the range of careers available in the criminal justice system. Essential questions addressed during the course include What is crime? Who defines crime? What are the functions of a criminal justice system? How do criminal justice systems balance the safety of the community with individual rights? How do criminal and juvenile justice systems affect young people? Mock trials, debates, and position papers are a significant part of the curriculum. Some example projects include students learning and applying the various techniques used during a crime scene investigation, including what types of evidence to collect and how that evidence can be used to deduce information about the crime and/or perpetrator, and students role-playing prosecutors, criminal defense lawyers, jurors, and court personnel conducting a mock criminal trial.

**__ Course Expectations/Requirements __** Welcome to American Law and Justice. I am looking forward to a great semester. With your hard work, effort, and participation this course can be both informative and enjoyable.


 * __Curriculum:__** This semester course consists of a series of units involving law, justice, and the courts. Emphasis is placed on such topics as criminal law, judicial decision making, law enforcement and the penal system. The course enables students to critically analyze policy choices related to crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. Mock trials, debates, and position papers are a significant part of the curriculum.


 * __Attendance:__** This class is comprised of group and whole class discussion, reading assignments, and cooperative learning activities that **cannot** be easily made up. It is extremely important that students make every effort to be in school on a regular basis. All written class work and homework must be made up.


 * __Make-Up Work__**: It is up to you, not me, to get any work the needs to be made up due to absence. All make up tests and quizzes must be made up outside of class. All work must be made up within **one week** of returning to school.


 * __Homework__**: It is essential that all homework assignments be completed and brought to class on time as many class activities will be based on the completed work.


 * __Assessment:__** A variety of assessment tools will allow me to evaluate your work fairly, while making allowances for individual learning styles. Your grade for the quarter will be based on the following:


 * 1) **Chapter Tests/Projects/Quizzes**
 * 2) **Class Work and Participation**
 * 3) **Homework/Journal**


 * __Materials:__** For this class you will be required to keep and maintain a notebook. The notebook should be for **this class only** and will count as a portion of you grade. You should bring to class with you everyday the following:


 * 1) American Law and Justice notebook (3 ring binder with paper)
 * 2) 2 different colored pens/pencils
 * 3) Journal (composition notebook)

I expect this classroom to be a place where there is a free and open exchange of ideas. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated. While I understand that this class is a senior elective, school does not end until May. I expect each student to put forth their best possible effort and work hard to complete all of the required work. If this happens, I am confident that each one of you will have success. **__Please do not hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.__**