Law and Government Magnet

     It is extremely important for American high school students in the 21st century to be informed about the world. United States citizens must be knowledgeable about government policies and laws and must be able to express themselves verbally and in writing about the various phenomena that affect them. The Legal/Governmental Services Magnet at Central attempts to provide this knowledge. In addition to classroom activities, students participate in many field-trip experiences. These include the Jefferson County Courthouse, City Hall, the Hall of Justice, the United States District Court, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and overseas travel. The program encourages students to participate in mock legislative programs, debate competitions, and mock trials.

Grade Ten

     Students concentrate upon the career of practicing law and the American legal system. Students examine the roles of judges, juries, and attorneys as well as support personnel such as paralegals. Students also explore cases involving family law, housing law, consumer law, and other areas of civil law pertaining to individual rights and liberties. Students gain hands-on experience through job shadowing or volunteering in law firms and governmental agencies.

Grade Eleven

     The junior curriculum allows students to study the foundations of American government. The program emphasizes the fundamental purposes, ideals, and structures of our government. Students examine the technical, organizational, personal, and ethical aspects of the American political system. Hands-on political experiences come as students volunteer in political experiences come as volunteer in political campaigns of their choice, conduct telephone polls, work election polls, register voters, or conduct exit polls for the news media.

Grade Twelve

     The senior level includes aspects of an independent-study course. During the year, students are responsible for writing two separate college-quality research papers. The first project focuses on a national legal problem. The second-semester research paper focuses on an international legal issue. Attorneys instruct seniors in the process of legal research. A study of comparative political structures, comparative economics, the United Nations, and national security provides background information for these papers. Seniors may choose to co-op in a legal or governmental setting when positions are available.