Criminal & Civil Law Course Guide
Mr. Michael Pastor
Email: pastorm@qvsd.org
Phone: 412-749-5557 x2205
Course Description
This course will provide an overview of the criminal and civil legal systems in the United
States. Topics of study include the criminal and civil trial procedure, an examination of
common criminal charges and civil litigations, and a study of Pennsylvania school law.
This pre-law focused course will provide an overview of both the Federal and State legal
systems. While the focus of the course will be American law, students will also compare
and contrast the American legal system with other systems of law throughout the world.
Course Objectives
1. To develop an understanding of the rights of citizens, with an emphasis on the
rights of minors.
2. To develop an understand of criminal and civil court procedures.
3. To analyze how Pennsylvania school law impacts students.
4. To compare and contrast legal systems throughout the world.
A Note From The Teacher
It is my desire that each and every student not only does well in this class, but also
develops an appreciation for the importance understanding the law. In this class
you will be challenged. This course is designed much like higher level (even college)
courses with the intention of preparing students to succeed in their future. In order
to create a classroom environment in which a high level of learning can be achieved,
it is critical that the class be based on RESPECT. In this class each of you already
have my respect, you need not earn it. I value each of you as individuals and I
believe that each of you can succeed. However, if you choose not to respect the
teacher or your fellow students, you will not be able to succeed to your full
potential.
Expectations
Students will complete assigned readings, course assignments, projects, and exams.
Students will actively participate in individual and group activities for the course using
technology.
The Nature of a Shared Experience
In this course, students will have the opportunity to create the content with their
daily class engagement. As the instructor, I believe firmly that all students have
something to give as well as something to gain from this course. While I may have
some level of expertise regarding the content, I believe that students and the teacher
share responsibility in examining the content in a meaningful way. As a discourse
community, we will move through the content in an organic way that relies on
constant student input. To put it simply, students will gain the most from the course
if they are constantly participating in the daily discussion. No individual is the sole
source of information on any topic, with that said, students in this course will create
a unique educational experience that allows for relevance and critical thinking to
drive all that we do.
Course Grading
Grades in this course are determined in accordance with the Quaker Valley High
School grading policy. In this course, 80% of a student’s grade will be determined
by Assessments OF Learning, meaning those assessments that are summative and
reflect a student’s ability to show their application of knowledge. 20% of a student’s
grade will be determined by Assessments FOR Learning, meaning those assessments
that are formative in nature and reflect ongoing learning that informs the teaching
and learning process. While there is not a predetermined amount of points possible
for each grading period, assignments will follow this general trend.
Assessment Type
Exams, Projects, Papers (Summative)
Homework (Formative)
Current Events / Discussion Board (Formative)
Percentage of Grade
80%
10%
10%
Unit Exams – 100 points (Assessment Type - Summative)
Exams are summative assessments of student understanding of a unit of course
content. These exams will be multi-format and utilize multiple choice, fill in the
blank, matching, true/false, short answer, and essay questions.
Papers, Projects, Essays – points will vary (Assessment Type - Summative)
These assignments will focus student learning on a specific piece of course content.
Student writing will be a focal point of this course and assignments requiring
student writing will be frequent. Typed assignments are required.
Homework – points will vary (Assessment Type – Formative)
Homework assignments will vary in format and type throughout the course.
Discussion Board – 10 points (Assessment Type – Formative)
The intent of this assignment is to engage the class in a discussion of world events
that impact each of us. Students will be asked to participate in the online discussion
board.
Attendance and Behavior
Students are expected to be in class all of the time. If you are not in class, you cannot
learn the course material or take part in course activities. If an absence occurs, the
student is expected to take the necessary actions to ensure that they do not fall
behind with the coursework. If an extenuating circumstance exists (i.e. prolonged
illness, family emergency, ect.) special arrangements will be made. If you are aware
of an upcoming absence, please inform the teacher as early as possible. The
expectation is that you will behave like an adult. I challenge each of you to take
ownership of your education; this requires you to behave in a manner that allows
you to succeed. Students are expected to comply with Quaker Valley’s code of
conduct.
Course Outline
Unit 1 – Ethics & Origin of Law
o What are ethics, and who gets to decide what is considered ethical or
unethical behavior?
o What is the difference between ethical and legal behavior?
o Why do we need laws and a legal system?
o How is the Constitution the basis for American law?
o How should individual freedoms be balanced with the needs of the
common good?
Unit 2 – The Court Systems
o What is the purpose of a dual court system in the United States?
o What are the similarities and differences of Local, State, and Federal
courts?
o What role do the branches of government play in the American justice
system?
o How are laws formed from a variety of sources?
Unit 3 – Criminal Law
o What is Criminal Law, and how does it differ from Civil Law?
o Why is the presumption of innocence important in the American
criminal justice system?
o What are the common types of crimes?
o What are the grades of crimes and how are they penalized?
o How are punishments of crimes enforced?
o What is the function of the juvenile justice system, and how is it both
similar and different from the criminal justice system?
o What are the important considerations in the death penalty debate?
Unit 4 – Civil Law
o What is Civil Law, and how does it differ from Criminal Law?
o What are torts and how are they enforced?
o What are common torts and what penalties are associated with each?
o What steps are involved in the process of civil procedure?
o What are damages, and how are they applied?
o How is it possible to win a criminal case, and yet lose a civil case for
the same incident?
Unit 5 – Business Law
o What are the major areas of business law?
o What is a contract and why is it often necessary?
o What are the essential elements of a contract?
o What role can a minor play in the formation of a contact?
o What are the rights and responsibilities of consumers?
o What are common mistakes that citizens make in entering in or failing
to enter into a contract?
Unit 6 – International Law
o How is the American legal system similar to and different from other
legal systems around the world?
o What international laws and courts exist to protect public goods?
o What are the impact of international regulations?
o Who or what decides what acts are considered crimes against
humanity?
o When is a crime an international crime?
o What are the international laws on the U.S.?
o What are U.S. citizens' rights and responsibilities when conducting
business, traveling, or living abroad?