Understand Law, Public Policy and the American Legal System

At Emmanuel, the legal studies minor provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the American legal system and the role of law in shaping society. Drawing on political science, philosophy, criminal justice and public policy, you'll explore topics such as the judicial system, constitutional law, legal reform, crime and justice, and the ethical questions that influence legal decision-making.

You'll examine how laws are created, interpreted and applied while developing the critical thinking, analytical reasoning and communication skills valued in law, government, public policy, business and nonprofit organizations. Whether you're preparing for law school or simply want a deeper understanding of the legal system and its impact on society, the legal studies minor equips you to think critically about justice, equity and the rule of law.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a minor in Legal Studies

A minor in Legal Studies requires six courses

1-4. Required Courses

  • PHIL2203 Philosophy of Law (M) (ER)
  • POLSC1201 American Politics (SA) (SS) (SJ)
  • POLSC2602 Introduction to Law and the Judicial System
  • CCJ1203 Crime and Justice (SS)

5-6. Electives (choose two)

  • CCJ2101 Criminology (SS)
  • MGMT2301 Legal Environment of Business
  • PHIL2108 Critical Thinking (M) (ER)
  • POLSC2603 Problems of Law and Society
  • POLSC3209 Public Policy, Law and Psychology
  • POLSC3607 Constitutional Law

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • have a thorough understanding of the workings of the judicial system;
  • have a thorough understanding of the often-unintended consequences of the judicial system that contribute to injustices;
  • be able to intelligently discuss and analyze potential reforms that would lead to a more just system of criminal justice;
  • have a clearer understanding of how they might be able to utilize their understanding of the law to a wide range of career opportunities both within the law and as applied to other disciplines.

What can I do with a minor in legal studies?

A minor in legal studies can prepare you for a variety of career paths in the legal field and beyond. Here are some examples:

  • Paralegal: Many graduates with a degree in legal studies work as paralegals, assisting lawyers with tasks such as drafting legal documents, conducting research, and organizing files.
  • Law enforcement: A degree in legal studies can be helpful for those who want to pursue a career in law enforcement, such as a police officer or detective.
  • Compliance specialist: A compliance specialist is responsible for ensuring that an organization is complying with relevant laws and regulations. A degree in legal studies can be helpful for this role.
  • Legal consultant: Some graduates with a degree in legal studies work as legal consultants, providing advice and guidance to clients on legal matters.
  • Non-profit work: A degree in legal studies can also prepare you for a career in the non-profit sector, where you can work on issues related to social justice, human rights, or advocacy.
  • Government work: A legal studies degree can be useful for working in government roles, such as a legislative aide or policy analyst.
  • Business roles: Some graduates with a degree in legal studies work in business roles, such as human resources or risk management, where their understanding of legal issues is beneficial.

Overall, coursework in legal studies provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.