Legal Studies Minor Objectives

The legal studies minor has multiple objectives:

• To examine the ways people have used the law and have understood its purposes
• To guide students to courses that will deepen and expand their understanding of the law as practiced, especially its influence on social and economic institutions
• To assist students in estimating their interest in pursuing a legal career
• To lay the foundation for success in law school and the legal profession

The Program

This minor is useful to students from any major who desire an interdisciplinary understanding of the law, which is a fundamental aspect of life and the world.  It is applicable for students interested in graduate school in anthropology, criminal justice, economics, history, international relations, philosophy, sociology or women’s studies. Additionally, it is appropriate for students who plan to work in government, politics, social policy or private industry.  

In addition, it will prepare some students to become competent lawyers, which, according to the American Bar Association, requires:

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• critical reading skills
• writing skills
• oral communication and listening skills
• general research skills
• task organization and management skills

 For these students, the Mount St. Mary’s legal studies minor provides a curriculum to help develop these skills.