The United States Legal System

CRN

42913

Course Number

311B

Credits

5

Description

An in-depth look at the U.S. legal system and how it affects individuals and society, with coverage of legal vocabulary, sources of law, the structure of the government, the Supreme Court and the judicial system. Case analysis skills will be stressed, including identifying the issue, procedural history, facts, reasoning and holding of each case. Students will also engage in a mock trial and write a legal memorandum.

This class (or PLSC 311) is required for the Law, Diversity and Justice concentration (major) and minor. It serves as a foundational course for anyone interested in learning about law in the U.S.

Prerequisites

FAIR 203A or Social Science GUR or permission of instructor.

Materials Fee

11.00

Texts

None.

Credit/Evaluation

S/NX grading; narrative evaluation.

Term

Fall 2026

Course Instructor

Peter Pihos

Course Subject

FAIR