PSCI 2481 - INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the American legal system. The political nature of many legal disputes will be explored as will the legal aspects of many political disputes. This course will also examine the potential (as well as actual) impact of citizen participation at all levels of the legal system. It has been said that we are what we eat. It's also true that we get the legal system that we create - for better or worse.
BOOKS:
Robert Carp, Ronald Stidham and Kenneth Manning (2007) Judicial Process in America. Washington, DC: CQ Press. 7th Edition
Web-based readings - See Syllabus (Please check the syllabus regularly for updates and new supplemental materials. Please let the instructor know if there are any broken links in the syllabus.)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Two examinations will be given - a midterm worth 30% of your grade and a comprehensive final exam worth 30%. Two short papers (chosen from a set of 3 assignments) are also be required. They are worth 30% of your final grade. Additional assignments and class participation will be worth 10%. Papers must be completed to receive a passing grade in the course.
Attendance counts. Both exams and the paper will stress materials covered in class. The only way to do well in this course is to attend class regularly.
No makeup exams will be given unless I am notified IN ADVANCE and the reason you can not attend is valid. (That you've already purchased a plane ticket to go home or on vacation is not a valid excuse.)
There is NO excuse for late papers - a letter grade will be deducted for each day your paper is late.
KEY DATES:
Drop Deadline (w/no tuition or fees) - Wednesday, September 9th
Term Paper I - Thursday, September 24th
Final Exam Time Adjustments - Friday, October 2nd
Drop Deadline (w/o Dean's permission) - Wednesday, October 7th
Term Paper II - Thursday, October 15th
Midterm Exam - Thursday, October 29th
Drop Deadline (w/o instructor signature) - Thursday, October 30th (A&S only)
Fall Break and Thanksgiving Holiday: November 21st-November 29th
Term Paper III - Tuesday, December 1st
Final Exam - Monday, December 14th (7:30PM-10:00PM)
UNIVERSITY POLICIES:
Academic Honesty
Ralphie's Guide: Definitions of Plagarism, Cheating, Unauthorized Possession
A "Contract" Between Student and Teacher (Bill Taylor's Letter to Students)
Disabilities
This university abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education "solely by reason of a handicap." Disabilities covered by law include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities and hearing, sight, or mobility impairments.
If you have a documented disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require reasonable accommodations, please see me, after class or during my office hours, or Disabilities Services in Willard 322, (303) 492-8671 (V/TTY), so that such reasonable accommodations may be arranged. I encourage students to make these arrangements as early as possible during the semester.
Religious Observances
The University of Colorado acknowledges a legal and moral obligation to accomodate all students who must be absent from classes or miss scheduled exams in order to observe religious holidays.
Students should notify their professor and arrange a process to make up missed work no later than the end of the second week of the semester.
Details of the campus policy on Religious Holidays may be found on the CU website here.
Multiple Final Exams
If you have 3 or more final examinations scheduled on the same day, university policy allows you to arrange an alternative exam time with your instructor for the last exam or exams scheduled for that day. As we have the last scheduled exam time on December 14th, this policy may apply to PSCI 2481. You should make arrangements with me to reschedule your 3rd exam of the day if you have 3 exams on December 14th. (You MUST do this by October 2nd.)
You are expected to remain in contact with your campus email address.
For details of the CU campus policy on email, see Campus Email Policy