Introduction to Constitutional Law Syllabus
2015-2016
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. John Eichmann
jeichmann@lacordaire.net
TEXTBOOK
Street Law – Glencoe/McGraw-Hill – ISBN 0-07-860019-7
COURSE PERSPECTIVE
This is a college-level course that examines the American legal system from a number of
different perspectives. Students study theoretical and practical aspects of law, with the goal of
understanding legal principles as well as how laws affect American society. In addition to
reading about law, students read some case law. Current legal developments are emphasized.
After developing an understanding of the framework of the legal system, students study criminal
law and procedure as well as areas of civil law, including torts, family law, First and Fourth
Amendment issues, and discrimination.
Students will examine the framework of the American legal system so that they will be able to
understand the differences between criminal and civil law; the role of trials and appeals and the
distinction between the two; and the relationship between federal, state and local laws.
Students will analyze the theory, standards and applications in the areas of law covered in the
course. Throughout the course, students will consider how law reflects society’s values.
GOALS
Students will:
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Be able to frame legal issues using the appropriate legal terminology.
Evaluate the basic purpose and concerns of the law.
Examine how societal values and norms shape laws and the legal system.
Analyze legal cases.
Evaluate current legal issues in context of the historical legal development.
COURSE CONDUCT
Students are responsible for preparing for class by doing assigned reading from the textbook as
well as related handouts. Students are also expected to read about current legal issues in
newspapers, magazines and sources on the web. In addition to reading about the law, students
will learn to analyze legal issues and cases. There will be lecture notes given, particularly to
introduce new subject areas. However, a key method used is to have students engage in
application and problem solving.
Students are assessed in a number of different ways. In addition to quizzes and multiple
choice/essay tests, students are assessed through individual and group projects, position and
research papers, and oral reports. Tests and quizzes will include definitions and concepts as
well as application and analysis. There will be a midterm examination; however, the final
examination will take the form of a research paper.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be weighted as follows:
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Tests, papers, and projects (two per marking period): 100 points each
Quizzes, including some in-class assignments (four - five per marking period): 30 to 50
points each.
Homework (approximately 10 graded assignments per marking period): 10 points each.
ATTENDANCE /BEHAVIOR
Students are to show respect to the teacher and fellow students by:
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Arriving to class on time, ready to participate.
o Students who are tardy will be given detention.
o Desks should be cleared of everything except paper, notebook or
binder and textbook when needed.
o No food or drink except water is permitted in the classroom.
Listening to the teacher and classmates.
Staying on task.
Following school rules.
Students are to demonstrate responsibility by
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Coming to class prepared.
Handing in homework, papers and projects on time.
o Students will lose points on assignments that are handed late.
o Any assignment that is copied from another student’s will receive a
“0;” the work copied from will also receive a “0.”