SOC 369 - Sociology of Law

(3 units) CO12

Examination of relationship of legal institutions and society, focusing on law as a social product and the social psychology of jury processes and plea bargaining.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 101.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyze sociological theories that help explain the American justice system and demonstrate a comparative understanding of international law concerning, ethics, the rule of law, and justice based on a set of ethical and juridical principles.
2. examine case studies and how laws are developed, and the many ethical issues that contribute to law making in societies, as well as how laws are used to exert social control over nonconforming groups and individuals.
3. explain how our judicial system operates, including how juries function in American society, and how laws are to be applied in an ethical and just manner.
4. analyze major court cases that apply to the implementation of basic human freedoms and be able to discern if they are applied across various diverse racial, ethnic, and religious minorities in a fair and ethical way.

Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information