LGS 100 - Introduction to the Law

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues General Education Requirement. This course meets the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement.

Provides a general overview of topics and skills related to law and jurisprudence. Students will gain a basic perspective on the history and development of the law as well as an understanding of how the law affects individuals, government and business in today’s society. Study of course topics include constitutional law principles, judicial decision-making, the state and federal court systems, as well as a survey of substantive criminal law, family law, contracts, torts, property and procedural law. Lab fee $10.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 111 or ENG 115 or ENG 121 .

Note: Not available to paralegal or law and jurisprudence majors to fulfill a required or elective course.

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the meaning of law and its function in society
Describe principal historical and modern philosophies of law
Explain how the law has changed over time
Define and understand various legal terminology
Describe the development of the American legal system
Describe the structure and function of Maryland and federal courts generally
Describe the principle sources of law and legal authority
Distinguish between different legal remedies
Distinguish between civil and criminal law and procedural and substantive law
Apply basic principles of legal analysis and reasoning to hypothetical situations
Apply understanding of judicial opinions by completing case briefs
Analyze simple statutes and describe their purpose and meaning
Describe the nature of, and general legal rules concerning, constitutional law, torts,
contracts, and criminal law

Core Competencies
Core 1 Communication Core 3 Information Literacy Core 5 Self Management Core 6 Scientific Reasoning Core 8 Social and Civic Responsibility Core 9 Global Perspective Core 10 Innovative and Critical Thinking