Meets the following requirements: HS   

The "law" affects every aspect of human activity.  As human ecologists we must garner some basic understanding of how law is used (or misused) to shape society and human behavior.  This course examines two aspects of the American legal system:  1) the judicial process or how we resolve disputes; and 2) the legislative process or how we enact policy.  Course readings cover everything from classic jurisprudence essays to the daily newspaper.  We use current environmental and social issues to illustrate specific applications of the legal process.  Legal brief preparation, mock courtroom presentations, lobbying visits to the Maine legislature, and guest lectures are used to give a practical dimension to course subjects.  Students analyze Federal Election Commission documents to understand the impact of campaign financing on public policy and look closely at other current issues facing the legislative and judicial systems.  Evaluation is based upon two papers and several other exercises. 

Level: Introductory.  Offered every other year.  Lab fee $20.  *HS*