Overview

James R. Bowers (Political Science), Program Director and Pre-Law Advisor

Melissa Bissonette (English), Robert Brimlow (Philosophy), Clair Smith (Economics), Jane Snyder (Political Science), Edward Wurtz (Political Science)

Pre-Law and Legal Studies at Fisher

The Legal Studies major (LEST) is the academic component of the Pre-Law Experience at Fisher. Pre-Law at Fisher also includes the Pre-Law Student Association, participation in such activities as Mock Trial, and one-on-one advising with the Pre-Law advisor.

The Legal Studies major is for Fisher students who have broad and varied interests in the relationship between law and society; who may be seriously considering attending law school or graduate school after completing their undergraduate degrees; or who are interested in an array of careers such as paralegal, lobbying, union organizing, and government service where some basic knowledge of law and legal systems is important.

The Legal Studies major is a second major offered by the Department of Political Science in collaboration with other contributing departments, meaning that students must also declare a primary major. Although Legal Studies is considered a Bachelor of Arts program, the degree that the student earns (B.A. or B.S.) is determined by the primary major.

The Legal Studies major is designed to introduce students to substantive knowledge about law and society (broadly defined) with an emphasis on law’s societal, political, and humanities contexts. The Legal Studies major also builds students’ analytical and communication skills, necessary for doing well in law school, graduate school, or the workplace.

Minor

Minor Options

The Legal Studies major replaces the College’s previous Pre-Law minor. However, all students who declared the Pre-Law minor before the end of the 2010-2011 academic year will be allowed to complete it.

No minor in Legal Studies is available. Students who feel they are not able to complete double majors but who nevertheless are interested in law should consult with their principal academic advisors and the program director of Legal Studies for options.

Program Requirements

Legal Studies Major Requirements

The major consists of 33 credit hours (11 courses).

*Prior completion of LEST 210, 212, and 271 and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 are required for enrollment. The LEST program director has sole discretion as to whether students who do not meet these prerequisites may enroll in LEST 495. Students whose primary major requires one or more practicum or internship may request permission to take an alternative LEST elective in lieu of LEST 495.

Courses used to meet requirements in the primary major may not be used for credit in the Legal Studies major unless the student has the written permission of both the department chairman of the primary major and the Legal Studies program director. Course substitutions for the Legal Studies major can be made only after consultation with and approval of the Legal Studies program director.

For students majoring in Legal Studies, LEST courses and all elective courses which may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Electives

Course descriptions may be found under the associated disciplines.

Recommended Progression

Legal Studies Major

Recommended progression of required courses for the Legal Studies major. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

*LEST 495 is taken only once but should be taken in one of the last three semesters where the schedule permits.