Course Catalog - Legal Studies

Legal Studies

Public Services Endorsement

PR: Prerequisite   |   CR: Credit for Course   |   SEM: Semesters   |   LC: Local Credit

(It is recommended students follow the program of study sequence level 1-4 as outlined by TEA.)

Level 1: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security M #8570

Level 1: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security D #8571 

Introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 2: Court Systems and Practices M #8572

Level 2: Court Systems and Practices D #8558

Court Systems and Practices is an overview of the federal and state court systems. The course identifies the roles of judicial officers and the trial processes from pretrial to sentencing and examines the types and rules of evidence. Emphasis is placed on constitutional laws for criminal procedures such as search and seizure, stop and frisk, and interrogation.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 3: Legal Research and Writing M #8575

Legal Research and Writing provides an introduction into the study and practice of legal writing and research. This course is designed to introduce students to the methods and tools used to conduct legal research, develop and frame legal arguments, produce legal writings such as briefs, memorandums, and other legal documents, study U.S. Constitutional law, and prepare for appellate argument(s).

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 3: Forensic Science #8553

Students learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene questioning and interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Students will use scientific methods such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis to collect and analyze evidence. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement. 

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, integrated physics and chemistry, or physics.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1 

Level 4: Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security - Legal Studies M #8599

The Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing legal services, public safety, protective services, and homeland security, including professional and technical support services. NISD Volunteer Background Check may be required.

SEM: 2 CR: 2