Legal Studies (B.P.S.)
Program Administrator Bruce F. Hamm, 315-443-2894.
Note: Admission to this program has been suspended. Information provided here is for advisement purposes only.
Courses in this program provide an understanding of basic concepts of substantive and procedural law and foster the development of skills in legal research and writing, drafting of legal documents, investigation, interviewing techniques, and law office administration. The experienced faculty members possess the juris doctor (J.D.) degree and other master’s degrees in relevant fields. The objectives of the curriculum are to provide a challenging general legal education that will enable graduates to work competently as legal professionals in the public and private sectors or in positions relating to the practice of law; to provide instruction in the operation of the legal system, the theory of law, and analysis of legal problems; and to provide an understanding of the ethical concepts by which lawyers and legal professionals are bound.
The program is one of approximately 250 nationally approved by the American Bar Association (A.B.A.), a standard in the profession awarded only to those programs that maintain the high standards set forth by the A.B.A. Courses cover professional conduct, ethical considerations, and legal obligations of paralegals, as well as skills in research, writing, analysis, case management, and electronic information gathering. Students learn to understand and apply substantive law within selected specialties as well as to draft memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents; and to work with attorneys to provide economical, quality legal services and to make legal services more available to the general public.
B.P.S. Legal Studies Requirements
(32 credits in the following competency areas)
Professional and ethical considerations (3 credits)
LGL 201 Introduction to Legal System and Legal Ethics 3
Research, writing, and analysis (7 credits)
Law and legal principles (9 credits)
Legal procedures (7 credits)
| LGL 401 |
Civil Practice and Litigation |
4 |
| LGL 471 |
Internship (senior year)
|
3 |
Electives—specialty areas (6 credits) (choose two)
Scheduling Nonmatriculated students may take no more than 12 credits of legal studies courses. Sophomore standing and a minimum of 18 credits in Arts and Sciences courses in at least three different subject areas are required for 300-level courses. Junior standing is required for 400-level courses.
Minor in Legal Studies
Contact University College Student Administrative Services, 700 University Avenue, 315-443-3261.
Faculty contact Bruce Hamm, 700 University Avenue, 315-443-2894,
bfhamm@syr.edu.
Note: Admission to this program has been suspended. Information provided here is for advisement purposes only.
The minor in Legal Studies is designed to meet the needs of a diverse student audience. It allows students to acquire a broad liberal arts understanding of law in the curriculum. Students may also tailor the minor for a greater understanding of the law in a particular area of interest. Students may focus on professional skill building as a trial of what they might expect in law school or as preparation for a career related to law.
The 19-credit minor in Legal Studies is available to matriculated undergraduate students from all Syracuse University schools and colleges with the permission of their home school or college and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
In general, a maximum of one course may be transferred from another institution with prior approval of the Legal Studies program. This minor is not intended to prepare students to work as paralegals. Students who wish to become paralegals should consider the Legal Studies credit certificate or bachelor’s degree. The American Bar Association has approved the certificate and the degree program, but not this minor, as appropriate for paralegal preparation.
Total Credits and Required and Optional Courses:
Students must complete 19 credits of coursework from the four groups listed below or petition to substitute from the optional grouping.
Required Courses
Group one – Introduction to Legal Systems (3 credits)
LGL 201 Introduction to Legal Systems/Legal Ethics
Note: LPP 255 Introduction to the Legal System or
CAS 312/
HST 382* Introduction to Law may be substituted for this requirement, subject to availability, prerequisites, and restrictions on enrollment.
Group two – Legal Research and Writing (4 credits)
LGL 202 Legal Research and Writing
Group Three – Introduction to Substantive Law (3 credits)
Group four – Disciplines and Study Areas within the Law (9 credits, select any three courses)
Group four is to be used to tailor a student’s specific area of study to their requirements.
Note: Special topics (300 or 400 numbered courses) may satisfy group four requirements. Consult with your academic advisor and the Legal Studies program.
Optional Grouping
(subject to availability, restrictions, prerequisites, and permission)
Students may elect to substitute these courses for those in group four. They should consult with their home college advisors and the Legal Studies program to secure the necessary approvals.
*Prerequisite required for class and/or permission of instructor