Legal Landscape: An Introduction to Law

This introductory class offers a practical foundation in the legal systems and core areas of law that shape life in Michigan and the United States. Designed for anyone who needs to understand how the law works, as well as those interested in legal careers, this class will explain legal procedure and provide an overview of the justice system.

The course begins with a general civil studies overview covering the structure of the State of Michigan and Federal Courts. Learn the key distinctions between Trial Courts and Appellate Courts, and how cases progress through the system. Understand the fundamental split between the Criminal Justice System and the Civil Justice System, including the different goals, parties, and procedural rules of each.

A run-through of the essential fields of legal practice will include the basic principles of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, alongside an introduction to Civil Procedure, which dictates how non-criminal disputes are handled. Finally, you will gain a foundational understanding of key substantive legal areas that commonly affect individuals: Family Law (such as divorce and custody), Real Property (issues of ownership and land), and Torts/Negligence (dealing with personal injury and civil liability). By the session's end, you'll possess a solid, working knowledge of the legal landscape.