Go inside the legal profession

Discover the day-to-day life of an attorney. Gain an in-depth look at what an attorney does. Practice making a fact-based argument. Delve into the evidence and compare and contrast fact versus opinion, and gain the skills needed to make informed decisions.

Know the difference between intellectual and emotional decisions

Write arguments that support a decision, and consider the ethics of your point of view. Examine the role “fairness” plays in justice and debate your position while aiming for consensus.

Evaluate a situation and determine if the acts are actually a crime

Learn how “crime” is defined. Analyze the factors that lead to the criminal incidents. Explore the connection between individual values and society’s values, and review real cases.

Dig into the evidence—circumstantial, forensic and physical

Review evidence to compose and defend your argument. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. Gain insight into the path of a criminal case through the justice system, using a famous murder case.

Study the Lululemon case—what does it reveal about the system of law?

Compare the ways defense and prosecuting attorneys use facts and create arguments in a real case. Analyze evidence and learn how to construct a legal timeline. Delve into issues such as ethics in law, plea bargains, and rights to appeal.

Explore college majors and future careers in law

Topics covered in this course offer a good background for potential college majors and career paths related to law, such as lawyer, judge, paralegal, and law clerk.

Final Capstone Project — You Be the Judge

Assume the position of a judge and issue a court opinion of guilty or innocent

• Based on what you’ve learned, you will issue an official court opinion in a case involving two people accused of looting during a state emergency
• After reviewing the witness testimony, evidence, and law, you will rule in favor of either the prosecution or the defense 
• Finally, write the Court's decision explicitly stating the reasons for your ruling

Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who will support you and answer questions throughout your learning experience. You can expect:

• Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
• Inspiration and motivation to help you succeed.
• Brainstorming to help you prepare for your capstone project.
• Feedback on your final project.

Flexible Learning

• 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
• 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and coursework, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and assignments featuring Georgetown University professor Charisma Howell. This flexible format allows you to tune in anytime that works for you.
• Guidance from a mentor who can support you, answer questions, and provide feedback on assignments. 
• Interact with fellow students from around the world.