AMERICAN LAW
Mrs. Sales
Website: kimsales.weebly.com
Course Syllabus/Requirements/Grading
(This course is the prerequisite for Forensics/Criminal Justice)
I.
Introduction
American Law is an introduction to personal, practical law. This course is designed to prepare
you to recognize and understand how the law works in our community and throughout the
United States. Our laws strive to promote fairness, equal justice, and individual rights. The
primary purpose of this course is to provide you with a working knowledge of the law. It
should also help you avoid legal problems and how to handle these when they occur. It should
not, however, be used as a substitute for professional legal advice for specific problems.
Our format will be of the directed discussion, role-playing, and cooperative learning methods.
We will also be utilizing resource experts from our community and the immediate area. Laws
and legal issues are presented with the use of actual and fictitious case studies. You are
encouraged to share your own experiences so that we all may learn. The study of law offers
you the opportunity to improve your ability to analyze complicated problems and come up
with satisfactory solutions. It also helps you understand the concepts of fairness, tolerance,
and personal responsibility.
II.
Course Overview
A. The Constitution and Lawmaking
1. The Basis of Our Laws: The U.S. Constitution
2. The Legal Responsibilities of the Branches of Government
3. How Laws are Made
4. The U.S. and WA State Court Systems
B. Constitutional Freedoms
1. The Bill of Rights
2. Freedom of Religion
3. Freedom of Expression
4. Other Rights and Freedoms
5. Equal Protection and Due Process
C. The Constitution and Fair Legal Procedure
1. The Scope of Rights in the Criminal Justice System
2. Searches and Seizures
3. After the Arrest
4. During and After the Trial
D. Civil Law
1. Differences between Civil and Criminal Law
2. A Civil Trial
3. Civil Remedies
4. Alternatives to Litigation
III.
Materials and Methods
A. Text: You and the Law (1993)
B. Excerpts from Street Law (Glencoe 2010)
C. Chapter study guides and activities
Cost: $45.00
D. Legal Vocabulary Activities (flashcards) and Quizzes
E. Case Problems
F. Class discussions
G. Legal documentary tapes and law-related videos
H. King County Courthouse fieldtrip
I. Guest Speakers
J. Role-Playing
K. Warm-Up Writing Activities
IV.
Requirements
A. Bring required materials to class EVERY DAY (notebook paper, planner/calendar,
textbook, handouts, pen/pencil, etc.)
B. Read chapters when they are assigned and be prepared to discuss, answer study guide
questions, and participate in related activities.
C. Actively participate in class discussions and activities.
D. Complete all written assignments.
E. Respect the rights of others to learn.
V.
Grading
Grading is determined on a “weighted” basis in the following areas:
A. Tests/Projects
B. Quizzes
C. Daily Assignments/Homework
50%
15%
35%
Grading Scale:
A
AB+
B
BC+
=
=
=
=
=
=
93% - 100%
90% - 92.99%
87% - 89.99%
83% - 86.99%
80% - 82.99%
77% - 79.99%
C
CD+
D
F
=
=
=
=
=
73% - 76.99%
70% - 72.99%
67% - 69.99%
60% - 66.99%
0.00% - 59.99%
Notes: Late assignments will be accepted only with a late ticket. Late homework tickets
entitle you to one week late only and are not accepted on tests, presentations, or major
assignments!
Students have the responsibility of making up assignments and tests when absent.
When you are absent, you are expected to check my website (kimsales.weebly.com) for a
daily blog of activities that you missed!
WILDCAT PRIDE:
Encouragement
Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability,