Legal Studies

Department strength in legal studies is manifested in a popular concentration in government plus a legal studies certificate program for non-majors, many of whom may already have bachelor's degrees, but are considering applying for law school or making a career transition to the legal assistant profession. The legal studies certificate program requires eighteen hours of undergraduate coursework. 

 Diverse course offerings in law give students in government and in the legal studies certificate program both breadth and depth in legal studies. Students interested in careers as legal assistants may focus on practical and applied law courses, such as civil trial practice and litigation, family law, criminal law, legal research, and alternative dispute resolution. Students interested in preparation for law school may focus on courses in such areas as constitutional law, legal environment, environmental law, and other offerings. Personal advising customizes a curricular program to match the interests and ambitions of each student. Students may gain practical experience in law through participation in moot court and mock trial courses.

 One government faculty member, Dr. Jeff Robb, provides comprehensive pre-law advising to TWU students and alumni.  He regularly attends national and regional pre-law conferences and serves as Past President of the Southwestern Association of Pre-Law Advisors.

For more information contact Dr. Jeff Robb at jrobb@twu.edu.

 
Students in the course Moot Court prepare for competitions with other universities.  Here Denna Wylie, Ebonie Tave, Merari Lopez-Ramos and Ileana Rojas practice for competition during the Spring 2011 semester.

 

 

If you are interested in working as a paralegal, the following courses will be especially valuable to you:

        GOV 3123, Legal Research
        GOV 4203, Civil Litigation and Trial Practice
        GOV 4433, Family Law
        GOV 4603 or 4606, Legal Studies (Paralegal) Internship

If you are interested in going to law school, the following courses will be especially valuable to you:

        GOV 3133, Legal Research II (Legal Analysis and Writing)
        GOV 4073, Constitutional Law: Government Structure
        GOV 4603 or 4606, Legal Studies Internship

You should also take general electives that will help you develop the critical analysis, research, and writing abilities vital to success in law school.  These courses include:

        HIST 3213, History of Law and Justice
        HIST 3433, History of England to 1714
        GOV 3723, Modern Political Thought
        GOV 4833, Introduction to Political Science
        ENG 3203, Advanced Grammar and Composition
        PHIL 2033, Logic and Critical Thinking
        PHIL 3053, Ethics
        BUS 3163, Business Communications
        BUS 3293, Business and Legal Ethics